asked the Minister for the Environment when the proposed Lauragh/Tuosist water scheme. County Kerry, will commence.
Written Answers. - Kerry Water Scheme.
329.
The design for this scheme has been approved by both my Department and Kerry County Council. In view of the high cost of the scheme, however, the group have decided to await the introduction of the new grant structure under Regulation 1820/80/EEC which provides for the stimulation of agricultural development in the less-favoured areas of the West of Ireland, including County Kerry. Pursuant to the new regulation a programme has been submitted to the Commission and, if it is accepted, I hope to announce the implementation of an improved grant structure for group water schemes carried out within the framework of the approved programme. I am hopeful that the proposals will be approved in the near future, particularly since I understand that any scheme commenced prior to EEC approval of the programme will not qualify for the grants under the western package.