asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason County Roscommon was not included in the pilot projects under the EC regional development programmes, in view of the very high level of unemployment and the high percentage of people depending on a livelihood from agriculture; and if, at this late stage, he has any plans to have it included.
Written Answers. - EC Regional Development Programmes.
42.
The proposals for the pilot programme were drawn up in consultation with the EC Commission. One vital criterion which was laid down was the size of the areas which participate in the programme. The target population was 5,000 or thereabouts, which for many areas correspond broadly with administrative rural districts. While some of the areas chosen span the border between two counties, being limited to this number has meant that half the counties of Ireland, with perfectly valid claims for a pilot area, could not be included in this particular programme. The funding arrangement discussed with the EC was based on around ten such sub-regions.
It may be reassuring for the Deputy to know that the Government have placed a time limit of two years on this pilot study. It is the intention that the experience gained from this programme be applied on a nationwide basis so that all rural areas can be facilitated to improve their economic and social developments.