asked the Minister for Energy in view of the announcement recently that Ireland is to get £19 million for the next five years from the EC Regional Policy under the "Valoren" Programme for the development of indigenous energy resources; if he will make a statement on the matter outlining the proposals for the allocation of this money; and if his Department have any specific plans for the use of this money by Bord na Móna in view of recent developments and also for private turf developers given the fact that most of this money is earmarked for the development of our peat resources.
Written Answers. - EC Regional Policy.
37.
Mr. Cowen
The Council regulation to which the Deputy refers institutes a Community programme (Valoren) for the development of certain less favoured regions of the EC by exploiting indigenous energy potential. The programme will cover a five year period with a total allocation to Ireland of 25 MECU/(IR£18 million approx.). The regulation was adopted by Council on 27 October 1986 and my Department is currently involved in the preparation of an intervention programme. While Bord na Móna and private turf developers will be eligible for assistance under the programme it is too early to indicate precisely how the funds will be appropriated at this stage.
An indicative breakdown by operations of the total allocation as set out in the annex to the regulation is as follows:—
|
Articles of Regulation |
Operations |
Million ECU |
|
4.1 |
exploitation of local energy resources: |
13 |
|
(a) |
—alternative and renewable energies 2 MECU |
|
|
(b) |
—peat and lignite 11 MECU |
|
|
4.2 |
Efficient use of energy |
8 |
|
4.3 |
promotion |
4 |
|
Total |
25 |