asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that grants have been made available in the past from EEC funds for improving rural roads in member countries under regulation 17/64/EEC; and if he has taken any steps to encourage county councils to submit applications for 1973.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Roads.
157.
I am aware that grants have been made available in EEC member countries from guidance section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund towards the cost of certain types of projects, including the improvement of roads undertaken to improve the structural efficiency of agricultural production and marketing. The possibility that projects administered by my Department would be eligible for assistance of this kind is under examination. The question of county councils submitting applications does not arise at this stage.
Is the Minister aware that applications for grants for the year 1973 can be submitted from 1st January and must be submitted before 1st June, 1973, and would he indicate whether any proposals are at a sufficiently advanced stage of preparation to be submitted to the EEC in January?
The applications to which the Deputy is referring were included in a circular letter which was circulated by the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and in a press notice issued by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. As far as we are concerned there is no question of the councils submitting applications at this stage. It does not arise yet anyway.
Has the Minister's Department any scheme under examination at the moment which they intend to submit to the EEC?
Yes, there are quite a number.
What sort of schemes?
That is a separate question and it would take some time to compile the answer. I have no doubt the Deputy will avail of another opportunity to put down such a question.