Vol. 484 No. 4
44 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will confirm that there will be ongoing funding for the waterways development after the five years programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22328/97]
The Exchequer, EU and own resource funding envelope for the development of inland fisheries by the central and regional fisheries boards will be kept under review during the period the CFBs five year strategic development plan. The availability of EU funding for inland fisheries development post 2000 will be addressed in the context of Ireland's overall negotiations with the Commission on the next Structural Funds round. The emphasis by the Commission in its document Agenda 2000 on rural development and environmental quality objectives will be a useful starting point in framing the case for continued EU funding for Ireland's inland fisheries resource.
