Minister Heydon announces extension to the deadline for applications under the National Farm Safety Measure
- Published on: 30 October 2024
- Last updated on: 8 January 2025
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Farm Safety, Martin Heydon T.D., today announced a two-week extension to the deadline for expressions of interest and for submitting applications for payment under the National Farm Safety Measure.
Making the announcement, the Minister said:
“I am extending the deadline for making expressions of interest and for submitting applications for payment by two weeks to Friday 15 November 2024, to give farmers more time to purchase PTO shaft covers and submit their claims.”
To apply for the measure, a farmer or FAS approved advisor, must submit an expression of interest before investing in PTO shaft covers. Once an expression of interest has been submitted, the application for payment (claim) must be submitted no later than Friday 15 November 2024.
In announcing the extension, the Minister highlighted the serious risk which unguarded or poorly protected PTO shafts present to machinery operators.
“There are PTO shafts on Irish farms with covers that do not provide protection to machinery operators. Entanglement in power take-off (PTO) shafts has resulted in fatalities and life-changing injuries. I urge all farmers to check the PTO shaft covers on equipment and replace any which are defective or missing.”
The measure provides a financial contribution to participating farmers covering 60% of the eligible cost up to a maximum of four PTO shaft covers.
Farmers are reminded that receipts must confirm that the PTO shaft covers meet the quality standards set out in the terms and conditions.
For further information on the National Farm Safety Measure 2024, visit www.gov.ie/farmsafety. Any queries regarding the Scheme should be directed to: farmsafetymeasure@agriculture.gov.ie
ENDS