Vol. 520 No. 1
133 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when he will announce the new pollution control grants; the level of grant aid envisaged under the new scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14851/00]
Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, a provision of £167 million has been made for a scheme of farm waste management.
This measure will form part of the new regional operational programmes for the Border, midland and western region and the 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 this measure is unlikely to come on stream until later in the year.
Proposals under the new scheme provide for eligibility to a maximum of 200 income units. A grant rate of 40% of approved costs subject to a maximum grant of £16,000 is proposed in the case of farmers having income units up to 150 units. A grant rate of 20% of approved costs subject to a maximum grant of £8,000 is proposed in the case of farmers having income units between 151 and 200 units.
In addition, in regard to young farmers meeting the requisite training requirement, it is proposed that these grant rates will be increased by 15% in less favoured areas and 5% in other areas.
Pending the coming on stream of the new measure, it is intended that the national scheme for the control of farm pollution will remain in operation and open to applicants.
