asked the Minister for the Environment if any FEOGA grantaid is available in respect of group water scheme applications; if so, the level of finance, if any, paid out in 1980 to date; and the criteria laid down for eligibility for assistance.
Written Answers. - Group Water Schemes.
327.
Under Regulation 17/64 EEC, FEOGA aid was available to finance individual projects promoting the adaptation and orientation of agricultural production, including group water schemes. This regulation ceased to be operative on 1 January 1980 in respect of new schemes. However, payments totalling £490,808 were made in 1980 in respect of group water schemes previously accepted.
In July 1980 the EEC Council of Agricultural Ministers adopted a new Regulation 1820/80/EEC which provides for the stimulation of agricultural development in the less-favoured areas of the west of Ireland. These areas include the Counties of Cavan, Clare, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan, Roscommon, Sligo and parts of Counties of Cork and Limerick. Pursuant to the new regulation, a programme has been submitted to the Commission and, if it is accepted, I hope to be in a position to announce early in 1981 the implementation of an improved grant structure for group water schemes in these areas.