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From:Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Niall Collins TD, has reminded farmers to apply for the National Farm Safety Measure 2026. The Measure provides 60% grant aid, subject to a maximum eligible cost of €100 per PTO shaft cover, for up to four PTO shaft covers. Farmers who availed of the measure in previous years are eligible to apply again this year.

Speaking about the importance of protective guards when operating machinery, Minister Collins said:

“Over the last two years, entanglement in PTOs has resulted in two fatal incidents on Irish farms and has also resulted in life-changing injuries. PTO shaft covers are relatively inexpensive, but they are critical in helping to prevent serious incidents when working with tractors and machinery. The aim of this measure is to incentivise farmers to check their farm machinery and where necessary, invest in PTO shaft covers.”

Because of its speed, a person will not have time to react if they, or their clothing come into contact with a revolving PTO shaft. Broken, damaged or poorly fitting PTO shaft covers are as dangerous as an unguarded PTO shaft and can give a false sense of protection.

Encouraging farmers to act now to prevent the risk of an incident involving PTO powered equipment, Minister Collins added:

“I am urging farmers to check their PTO powered farm machinery and to avail of this measure to replace any defective or missing PTO shaft covers. If we are serious about farm safety, we must stop using farm machinery or equipment which have defective or missing guards. I would also urge FAS advisors to engage with their farmer clients on farm safety and encourage them to avail of this measure.”

The closing date for submitting expressions of interest and payment claims under the measure is Friday, 6 November 2026.

To apply for the measure, an Expression of Interest must be submitted before a participant buys the PTO shaft covers. Claims must be submitted onwww.myagfood.ie.

PTO shaft covers must meet the standards set out in theTerms and Conditions. All invoices must be marked "Paid" and state that the PTO shaft covers comply with the EN 12965:2019 standard.

For further information, visitwww.gov.ie/farmsafety.