asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has any plans for the inclusion of the Tory Hill/Chapel Hill disadvantaged areas in South Kilkenny in the disadvantaged areas scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.
129.
The situation throughout County Kilkenny was very carefully considered in the most recent review of the boundaries of the disadvantaged areas. This review was the most extensive and comprehensive review of the boundaries carried out in this country.
The areas in question were not included in the list of adjustments that have been made since they did not meet the criteria laid down in the EC directive for designating areas as disadvantaged. In this situation, there is no possibility at present of adding them to the list of areas that are classified as disadvantaged.
130.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if it is his intention to have an up-to-date review of the disadvantaged areas scheme, considering in particular the areas which were not included in the most recent review; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
135.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture when he will make a further submission to the EC for the inclusion of further farm land in the disadvantaged area scheme.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 135 together.
The most recent review of the boundaries of the disadvantaged areas was the most extensive and comprehensive examination of the boundaries carried out in this country. It involved the surveying of 10,000 townlands in 600 district electoral divisions covering approximately four million acres of lands. The adjustments resulting from this examination represent the maximum possible area that can be included consistent with the criteria laid down in the EC directive for designating areas as disadvantaged. In this situation, there is no possibility at present of adding still further to the list of areas that are included in the disadvantaged areas.
131.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if the land of a person (details supplied) in County Cork is included in the disadvantaged area.
Classification of land under the disadvantaged areas scheme relates to county, district electoral division and townland boundaries and not to individual properties. The townland which contains the property mentioned above is included in the scheme.