Investment of almost £1.3 billion, 1.7 billion, has been provided for under the NDP 2000-2006 in respect of the marine and natural resources sectors. This investment is spread across some 38 measures under the sectoral operational programmes, the two regional programmes, the Common Agricultural Policy rural development plan and the cross-Border initiatives.
The prolonged process of finalising the operational programmes and programme complements, the impact of the foot and mouth disease crisis and delays in EU state aid clearance have impacted on the roll-out of a number of NDP measures. However, significant progress on a range of marine and natural resources programmes has already been made and all measures will be up and running in 2002.
Investment to the end of this year under the £720 million, 914 million, forestry programme will be of the order of £140 million, 178 million. This investment is supporting planting, the improvement of existing woodlands, the development of urban and amenity woodlands, the re-establishment of forest plantations and the enhancement in general of forest infrastructure.