I propose to take Questions Nos. 307, 346 and 354 together.
A total of over £0.6 million was expended during 2000 to date under the Operational Programme for Environmental Services, 1994-99, in relation to local authority and private sector waste recovery projects.
Under the national development plan, £100 million in EU-Exchequer assistance has been earmarked to support the implementation of waste management plans and the delivery of waste recovery infrastructure, and a substantial element of this sum will be available in 2001. Details of this grants scheme and other possible supporting initiatives are being finalised at present. In addition, support for appropriate recycling initiatives is also forthcoming from local authorities and other State agencies, for example, Enterprise Ireland.
Pending finalisation of the position regarding 2001, grant assistance is not currently available from my Department in relation to wood recycling.