Vol. 398 No. 4
67 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Finance when it is expected that the £5 million balance from phase 2 of the Special Border Programme, will be allocated; and if any decision has been made as to the type of project which will qualify.
The Special Border Areas Programme 1986-1990 provides for aid from the European Regional Development Fund for energy and tourism measures. Of the total ERDF aid of £24.75 million available under the programme, £5 million is being held in reserve to cover the possible extension of a natural gas supply investment from Dundalk if this is found to be viable. Any part of this £5 million not used for this purpose is to be reallocated to finance measures under the tourism-based part of the programme.
The steering committee for the programme are at present considering the results of a feasibility study on the western extension of the gas supply. In the light of that examination, a decision is expected to be taken shortly on the question of the allocation of the £5 million reserve.
