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Farmer fury at delay in
modernisation grants
25.07.16
A DONEGAL TD has
revealed that almost 3,000 farmers who were approved
for new modernisation grants are still waiting for
the money to be paid.
Fianna Fáil Agriculture Spokesperson Charlie
McConalogue said a further 4,328 farmers have yet to
see their applications processed.
He said farmers are "enraged" at the severe delays
in the administration of the Targeted Agricultural
Modernisation Scheme II (TAMS II). |
“Many farmers had
planned on starting on farm investment projects in
May. However, the delay in processing their TAMS
applications has put many of these projects on hold
and is one of the biggest sources of frustration and
anger among farmers across the country," said Deputy
McConalogue.
“According to the latest Parliamentary Question
reply, 4,328 farmers or 60% of total applications
for TAMS have yet to be processed. This is
completely unacceptable considering the scheme has
been open for more than a year. A further 2,829
farmers, who have had their applications approved,
are still waiting on their payments." |
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Deputy Charlie McConalogue. |
The Carndonagh-based
deputy added: “Given the severe cash flow crisis,
market volatility and low prices facing the primary
producer, it is absolutely appalling that these
payments are still pending. The Department claims
that IT issues are to blame but this is a ridiculous
situation, which is stalling critical funding which
is fundamental to the social and economic wellbeing
of rural Ireland.
“Yet again, farmers will be disappointed to read the
Minister’s reply that 'payment claims online will be
available in the coming weeks'. This is simply not
good enough. I’m calling on Minister Creed to
expedite these payments and process all outstanding
applications as an urgent priority." |
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