Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Mar 1995

Vol. 450 No. 3

Written Answers. - Aid for Border Areas.

Mary Coughlan

Question:

45 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for the Environment the amount of money to be allocated to counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth for infrastructure under INTEREG II; and the time scale for the allocations. [4975/95]

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

46 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the need for improved infrastructure in the Border region to make it competitive; the plans, if any, he has to improve the infrastructure in the region for new investment and to assist existing industry; and if he will ensure that external funding targeted to the region will be additional. [5044/95]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 46 together.

The replies by the Minister for Finance to Question No. 27 on 28 February 1995 and Question No. 65 on 1 March 1995 set out the position generally in relation to EU and other aid for Border areas.

The Government and the European Union have acknowledged the importance of modern infrastructure, in promoting competitiveness and economic growth, through the Community Support Framework, the related operational programmes, and the Cohesion Fund. Additional benefits are set to accrue to the Border regions on foot of INTERREG II and a further community initiative intended to support the peace process.

Commission approval has recently been obtained to the Ireland/Northern Ireland element of the INTERREG II Initiative. Roads and environmental services in the Border counties on the southern side will qualify for EU assistance of approximately £15.5 million and £10 million, respectively, in the period to 1999. Indicative road grant allocations for the current year have already been made to the eligible local authorities and they are being invited to submit suitable projects for funding. I also intend in the near future to notify eligible local authorities of the water and sewerage schemes to be included in the 1995 programme.