asked the Minister for Agriculture if the townland of Kilrossantry, County Waterford, and Boolabeg. Rathgormack, have been classed as disadvantaged areas; and, if not, his reasons.
Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Areas.
153.
The townland of Kilrossantry, is not included in the disadvantaged areas while the townland of Boolabeg is classified for mountain sheep headage purposes.
The adjustments which resulted from the last review of the boundaries of the disadvantaged areas represented the maximum possible area that could be included or reclassified at the time consistent with the criteria laid down in the EC Directive for designating areas as disadvantaged. However in the light of the serious problems that have arisen in Irish agriculture over the past two years, the Government have decided to initiate a further review of the disadvantaged areas for the purpose of extending the boundaries and reclassifying existing areas. The position in the different areas throughout the country including the townland of Kilrossantry will be most carefully considered in this review. It is the aim to reclassify as more severely handicapped all existing less severely handicapped areas as well as areas where mountain sheep headage grants are paid, including Boolabeg.