“The National Development Sectoral Plan 2026-2030 sets out my Department’s new five-year capital allocation, with an allocation of €1.625 billion of public funding. This represents an increase of €160 million over the current five-year period.”

“The NDP will support economic, social and environmental development in our rural and coastal communities, while also strengthening competitiveness, through research and innovation.”

“TAMS plays a vital role providing funding for on-farm investment to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holding to support sustainability, safety and efficiency. Supporting investment on-farm is one of my key priorities over the lifetime of this Government. This investment supports competitiveness on Irish farms, enhances the resilience of infrastructure, supports generational renewal, and supports improved nutrient management which is a critical component in improving water quality.”

“These additional funds will support my Department in addressing forestry windblow damage due to Storms Darragh and Éowyn.”

“The current Forestry Programme is due to expire on 31 December 2027, and work will commence in early 2026 on the next Forestry Programme. Allocations for Foresty for 2028 onwards will be based on the new Forestry Programme.”

“This funding will ensure the continued development of Howth Harbour and Ros an Mhíl as funds have already been expended on these projects. These are major development projects that need to be completed for the viability and sustainability of the seafood sector.”

“The Department’s NDP allocation over the next five years will assist my Department in supporting research that delivers real-world impact — whether that’s reducing emissions, improving water quality, enhancing animal health and welfare, or driving digital innovation in food systems.”

“I will be working closely with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless to progress this over the lifetime of this plan. Both colleges will be taking on 40 students each in September next year. The island of Ireland needs a strong pipeline of veterinary graduates to safeguard animal health and welfare.”

‘’The Irish Equine Centre is a multiple award-winning laboratory and plays a key support role to the €2.46 billion equine breeding and racing industry. However, it needs to be redeveloped in order to improve and expand the current facilities while enhancing its public good services to the equine industry. Work is due to commence on this in 2027.”

“Investment in the critical work of these Regional Laboratories is vital to Ireland’s world-class reputation for food safety.”

“The National Development Sectoral Plan 2026-2030 aligns with the Programme for Government commitments. Public capital investments in the agri-food sector will support the sustainable development of the sector in accordance with the ambition in the Food Vision 2030 strategy.”