Commenting on the launch, Mr Coveney said, “I am delighted to launch the new Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme.

"This investment of €17m reflects my Department’s ongoing commitment to the growth potential of this important sector and to the modernisation of farming in Ireland."

He added: "I hope that pig and poultry farmers will look very seriously at the opportunities offered by this new scheme.”

A total of €395m has been made available for TAMS II schemes, with some €17m earmarked for the pig and poultry sector. The schemes are aimed at modernising agriculture in Ireland, and the new scheme is being co-funded by the European Union.

The areas of investment available include: medicine dispenser units, water meters, solar panels, heat recovery units/heat pumps, energy efficient boilers, feed system upgrades (for medication reduction and energy efficiency), energy efficient upgrade for farrowing house, weaner housing, fattener housing, poultry house and disease reduction facilities for existing poultry houses.

The scheme is open to all farmers who meet the eligibility criteria, offering a standard rate of 40 per cent on investment up to a ceiling of €80,000. The first tranche of applications will run for three months, closing towards the end of October.

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