Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 Jun 1999

Vol. 507 No. 3

Written Answers. - Rural Renewal Scheme.

Willie Penrose

Question:

138 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the steps, if any, he will take to include the Inny Bann area of north Westmeath as part of a rural renewal project in view of the decrease in population and the fact it is in need of employment projects due to the recent clearance given to his Department by the EU Commission to go ahead with the urban and rural renewal projects. [16838/99]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

The rural renewal scheme is a pilot scheme. The business elements of the scheme which were recently approved by the EU Commission are only now commencing and it would be inappropriate to consider extending the scheme at this stage.