Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 3

Written Answers. - Rural Development Programmes.

Enda Kenny

Question:

167 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will give details of the various schemes, both national and EC, that exist for rural development at the moment; the criteria for eligibility in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Enda Kenny

Question:

170 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if the totality of Achill Island, County Mayo, can be included under the area of eligibility for LEADER funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 170 together.

The operational programme for rural development and the Leader programme are the specific rural development measures currently in operation here. The EC-backed operational programme for rural development comprises a wide-ranging series of schemes and initiatives operated by my Department and other Departments and State agencies.

Leader is an EC pilot programme under which 16 Irish groups were selected for funding of their approved business plans.

For convenience, I will supply the Deputy separately with comprehensive information relating to the implementation of these two measures.

In so far as Achill Island is concerned, the Irish-speaking part of the island is within the operational area of the Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta (MFG) Leader Group. I am aware of the interest of the residents of the rest of the island in its inclusion in MFG's operational area and officials of my Department last week met local representatives on the matter. Arising from that discussion the deputation agreed to pursue the case with MFG with a view to making a written submission to my Department about a possible extension of its operational area.