asked the Minister for Agriculture if grants for land drainage in the west of Ireland are being increased from 50 per cent to 70 per cent; the date from which the increase becomes effective; if schemes already planned, but not started before the qualifying date, will qualify for the increased grant; if schemes already started, but not completed before the qualifying date, will qualify; and when full details will be available.
Written Answers. - West of Ireland Land Drainage.
468.
On 19 June 1978 the Council of the European Communities adopted a Directive (78/628/EEC) providing for the introduction of a scheme to accelerate drainage operations in the less-favoured areas of the west of Ireland.
In accordance with the directive my Department have submitted a detailed programme relating to this scheme to the EEC Commission in Brussels where it is currently under examination. Pending completion of this examination and clearance of the programme in Brussels, which should be forthcoming in the near future, it is not possible to give details as to operative and qualifying dates for the purposes of the scheme. I can say, however, that under the programme submitted it is envisaged that grants of 70 per cent of the approved cost of land drainage work will be provided.