Jimmy Deenihan
Question:74 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when the new farm pollution grants scheme will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11273/00]
Written Answers. - Control of Farm Pollution Scheme.
In the context of the national development plan, an amount of £167 million is allocated for a scheme of farm waste management for the period 2000-06.
This measure will form part of the new regional operational programmes for the Border, midlands and western regions and the southern and eastern region. These programmes are now being drafted under the responsibility of the respective regional assemblies and will shortly be formally submitted to the European Commission for approval. The negotiation process is expected to take a few months and, accordingly, the measure is unlikely to be implemented until later in the year.
In the meantime, it is intended that the existing national scheme for the control of farm pollution will remain in operation and open to applications.