O’Shea Calls for Increased TAMS Funding in Budget 2027 as Demand for Farm Investment Continues to Grow

Deputy John Paul O’Shea, TD for Cork North West has welcomed the success of the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) to date, while calling for additional funding to be provided in Budget 2027 to ensure that more farmers can access supports for essential on-farm investment projects.

Deputy O’Shea said the scale of demand for the scheme nationally demonstrates both the value of TAMS and the appetite among Irish farmers to invest in the future sustainability, efficiency and environmental performance of their farms.

“Since the launch of TAMS 3, almost 68,000 applications have been received nationally, with over 50,000 approvals issued by the Department of Agriculture. More than €172 million has already been paid out to participating farmers, with approximately €2 million continuing to issue every week to support investment on farms right across the country.

“These figures show that TAMS has become one of the most important support schemes available to family farms, helping farmers to modernise their holdings, improve animal welfare standards, enhance safety on farms, reduce emissions and improve overall productivity.”

Deputy O’Shea acknowledged the significant commitment made by Government to fund the scheme but said the level of demand now requires further investment if farmers are not to be left behind.

“I want to acknowledge the substantial allocations that have been made to TAMS in recent years and the commitment shown by Government in supporting capital investment on farms. However, the popularity of the scheme means that many worthwhile projects continue to miss out through the ranking and selection process despite farmers having genuine and legitimate investment needs.”

Figures provided to Deputy O’Shea by the Minister for Agriculture show that while 67,972 applications were submitted nationally under tranches 1 to 12 of TAMS 3, 9,512 applications are still awaiting a decision and the figures do not include applications that were unsuccessful following ranking and selection.

In Cork alone, 8,720 applications were submitted, with 6,514 approvals issued and 1,035 applications currently awaiting a decision, underlining both the importance of the scheme to the county and the scale of unmet demand that remains.

“There are many farmers across Cork North West and across the country who have invested considerable time and effort in preparing applications only to fall outside the available funding following ranking and selection. These farmers should not be forgotten.

“Investment in modern farm infrastructure is not a luxury; it is essential if we are to improve efficiency, meet climate and environmental targets, enhance animal welfare and ensure that farming remains viable for the next generation.”

Deputy O’Shea said that increasing the TAMS budget in Budget 2027 would support family farms while also delivering wider benefits for rural Ireland.

“Every euro invested through TAMS supports employment in rural communities through agricultural contractors, machinery suppliers, builders and local businesses. The economic impact extends well beyond the farm gate.

“As discussions begin around Budget 2027 and future CAP funding, I believe there is a strong case for increasing the resources available to TAMS so that more farmers can proceed with investments that will strengthen the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Irish agriculture.

“The success of TAMS has proven the value of the scheme. The next step is ensuring that sufficient funding is available so that more farmers who are ready to invest in the future of their farms are given the opportunity to do so.”