asked the Minister for the Environment the benefits which will accrue to road construction and other social projects under his control from the recently announced Regional Fund up to 1993; the amount of finance which will be made available for the structural aspects of these projects under various sub-heads; and the recoupment of moneys from the EC which have been negotiated.
Written Answers. - Regional Fund.
196.
The economic and other benefits of road investment are comprehensively set out in Chapter 2 of Ireland: Road Development 1989 to 1993. The specific major road projects to be undertaken during the period of the Community Support Framework will be identified in an operational programme for roads and other transport which is at present being prepared for early submission to the EC Commission.
An operational programme in respect of Sanitary and Other Local Services (smoke control, waste disposal and urban renewal measures) is currently under negotiation with the EC Commission. The programme is designed to support sustainable economical development and environmental protection and will, inter alia, have beneficial effects for tourism, agriculture and rural development.
A total of £451 million of EC Structural Fund assistance will be provided for roads under the recently approved Community Support Framework. The relevant figure in relation to the Sanitary and Other Local Services Programme will be announced shortly.