asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will give priority for a scheme under the western drainage package which will be undertaken by a group of farmers adjoining the river Loo, the Clydagh and the upper regions of the Flesk near Blonkeen, Killarney, County Kerry, in view of the benefits which would arise from such a scheme in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Kerry Drainage Scheme.
848.
An application for the drainage of part of the river Flesk under the western drainage scheme was received on 22 October 1982.
Applications under the western drainage scheme are being processed strictly in order of receipt. A recent survey has shown that applications received up to 30 September 1981 can be accommodated within the ceiling of 150,000 hectares approved by the EEC which meets 50 per cent of the cost. Present indications are that it may not be possible to accommodate applications received after that date. Consideration is being given to how best to deal with applications on hands in the light of the present economic and budgetary position.