Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 8

Written Answers. - Dubln Fish Market Grant.

Liam Fitzgerald

Question:

190 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for the Marine the reason a £300,000 grant from EU funds was awarded to the Dublin Fish Market; if he has satisfied himself that it complied fully with the criteria as set down by the EU for such funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17860/95]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

An upgrading grant under the Operational Programme for Fisheries was approved in respect of the Dublin Fish Market last September. The purpose of this grant is to enable the premises to comply with the minimum standards prescribed under EU Health and Hygiene Directives 429/91 and 493/91.

Prior to approval the grant application was assessed by my Department in conjunction with the intermediate agency, BIM and found to be in compliance with all the relevant eligibility criteria. I am fully satisfied that the project continues to meet the requirements.

The actual project involves total expenditure of IR£300,000 and will attract a grant of IR£150,000. The grant comprises EU funding of IR£135,000 in respect of 45 per cent of total eligible expenditure and a 5 per cent enabling grant totalling IR£15,000 from Exchequer funds.