asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will increase substantially the grant to farmers in the Sheelin area of County Cavan to enable them to provide adequate slurry storage facilities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (Resumed). - Slurry Storage.
38.
Rates of grants in respect of slurry storage facilities cannot be increased because they are the maximum permitted by the European Economic Community.
Is the Minister aware of the concern both of the farmers in the area and of the Sheelin anglers that these facilities should be available and that the anglers are very perturbed about pollution? Would he not give earnest consideration to making available a larger percentage grant for this purpose?
As I said, this is not permissible under EEC rules and regulations. I am quite concerned about the position in the area and as the Deputy knows, I have met a deputation from the area in regard to their problems. I have a good deal of sympathy with them but I think another approach will have to be made to the problem. They have made certain proposals and I hope these are being followed up.
The costs are prohibitive.