asked the Minister for Energy the number of applicants who have benefited from the Western Package Electrification scheme over the last four years; and if he has applied for extra EC funding for this scheme for next year.
Written Answers. - Western Package Electrification Scheme.
18.
Since the commencement of the Western Package in 1981, my Department has approved a total of 4,222 individual applications under the scheme. The amount of grant aid involved was £7.3 million. In addition grant aid amounting to £722,496 has been approved for the upgrading of 55 networks in the western region.
This scheme is to run for ten years. The annual EC provision is based on actual completions. As long as we remain within the aggregate limit for the scheme as a whole, there is no restriction on the amount which may be spent in any year.