asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry the amount of money available from the EC for the western forestry package in the current year; the present day indicators of the amount which is likely to be taken up; and whether he will recommend the extension of this scheme to disadvantaged areas outside the recognised western area.
Written Answers. - Western Package Forestry Grants.
96.
The EC has allocated approximately IR£9.5 million to fund forestry development over the ten year duration of the western package. The State recoups (in arrears) from the EC 50 per cent of the annual expenditure incurred on forestry grants under the package.
The Government has provided £855,000 in the 1986 Estimates for the expansion and promotion of private forestry. This represents a 300 per cent increase on last year's allocation and the bulk of this money will be spent on western package grants.
The possibility of extending the western package forestry grants to the disadvantaged areas of the eastern region is at present under consideration.