Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:85 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the grant aid available for the installation of electricity in a rural area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8341/01]
Written Answers. - Grant Aid.
The only grant scheme in my Department that provides for grant-aid towards the cost of providing electricity supply is the farm electrification grant scheme.
The scheme is designed to subsidise the installation of electricity supply to farms which previously had no supply or where supply is inadequate, in order to facilitate the development and modernisation of farms in disadvantaged areas of the country.
To qualify for grant aid, an applicant must practice farming on land, comprising of at least three hectares (7.5 acres) owned or held on long-term lease in a disadvantaged area. Farming must also be the applicant's main occupation and principal source of income.
Successful applicants qualify for 80% grant-aid for the first £2,000 of total costs to a maximum of £1,600. This is borne 20% by the Department and 60% by ESB. The balance more than £2,000 is borne by the applicant under standard terms from ESB, currently 50/50. Maximum grant-aid for 3-phase supply, where heavier current is required, is £3,200.
Application forms, which outline the general rules and conditions of the scheme, are available from local ESB offices.