IFA Rural Development Chairman Joe Brady has called on the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to increase reference costings for grant-aided work under the TAMS on-farm investment scheme.
IFA raised this matter with Minister Creed last month and at the most recent Charter of Farmers’ Rights meeting. IFA made the case that the adjustment in costings is necessary given the recent increases in building materials and other costs such as labour and fittings.
Joe Brady said if costings are not regularly updated the value of grant-aid due to the farmer is reduced. The percentage of grant-aid is based on the standard or reference cost payable at either the basic 40% grant rate or in the case of young farmers at 60%. He said it is important that the grant paid broadly relates to the actual costs incurred.
The IFA Rural Development Chairman said the Department of Agriculture must take account of all the data available to them that clearly show building costs have increased over the past 12 months.
