The new deadline date is Friday, November 15, which gives farmers more time to purchase PTO shaft covers and submit their claims, according to the minister. To apply for the measure, a farmer or approved farm 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, November 15.
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 per cent 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.