Vol. 548 No. 4
12 Mr. M. Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the progress to date in the implementation of the national development plan scheme for investment aid in alternative enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4271/02]
Some 164 applications have been received since the start of the scheme in February 2001 under the alternative enterprise scheme – housing/handling facilities – by my Department. In relation to these applications 52 approvals to commence investments have issued, 45 applications have been rejected or returned to farmers and planners for further information and the remaining applications are being processed in the local offices of my Department.
These grant rates are considered adequate and were agreed following extensive consultation. This scheme is reviewed on an ongoing basis in order to ensure that it remains both attractive and effective.
