Vol. 520 No. 1
152 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will introduce a farm yard pollution grants scheme as many farmers are eager to carry out projects during the summer months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15242/00]
The national scheme for the control of farm pollution is currently in operation and applications in respect of proposed investment works continue to be accepted under this scheme.
Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, a provision of £167 million has been made for a scheme of farm waste management. This measure is a component of the new regional operational programmes for the Border, midland and western region and southern and eastern region. The programmes have been submitted to the European Commission for approval. The negotiation process with the European Commission is expected to take a number of months and consequently the measure is unlikely to come on stream until later in the year.
