Inishowen farmers now
have access to a new grants scheme to help them
improve their dairy facilities, livestock housing
and farming equipment.
The new Farm Improvement Scheme launched this week
will provide grant-aid for a
wide range of on-farm investments over the next
seven years.
Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal North East, Deputy Niall
Blaney welcomed the measures.
“This support from the Government will have a vital
role in ensuring that Irish farmers continue to have
a secure placing on the international food market,"
he said.
Under the scheme, grant-aid will be available up to
a maximum eligible investment ceiling of €120,000
with a separate ceiling of €120,000 being applicable
in the case of dairy hygiene measures.
The standard grant-rate will be 40% for animal
housing and related storage facilities and for dairy
hygiene investments, with a 10% top-up grant being
available for eligible
young farmers in certain cases.
Deputy Blaney added: “The maximum eligible
investment ceiling of €120,000 for dairy hygiene
investments is substantially higher than the
previous €50,000 investment ceiling which was
applicable under the old Dairy Hygiene Scheme.
"It also includes increased investment ceilings of
€40,000 for milking machines and
€25,000 for bulk milk tanks compared to the €16,000
investment ceilings applicable in each case under
the Dairy Hygiene Scheme.”
Application forms relating to the scheme will soon
be available on the Department of Agriculture
website at
www.agriculture.gov.ie . |
