Vol. 549 No. 1
141 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the advantages under his Department's remit that have accrued to County Donegal and the north west region arising from the Objective One designation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6037/02]
Donegal and the North-West will benefit in line with other parts of the Border, Midland and Western Region from the measures in the national development plan.
The plan provides a total indicative allocation of some €5.5 billion in relation to agriculture, food and related rural development. The following are the details:
– The CAP rural development plan contains a €4.3 billion allocation for its rural environment protection (REPS), early retirement and compensatory allowances' elements. This allocation is on a national basis. While REPS and early retirement are demand driven schemes from which farmers in Donegal and the north-west will benefit to the extent that they participate in them, the compensatory allowances scheme is of particular relevance to Donegal as the county is disadvantaged.
– Support for the food industry, agricultural research and training is provided through two national operational programmes. The indicative allocation is €547 million. The Objective one status of the Border, Midlands and Western Region is reflected in the support available for food research and training. The maximum rate of grant is 45% of eligible expenditure as compared to 35% in the Southern and Eastern Region.
– The two Regional Operational Programmes include sub-programmes on agriculture and rural development that support structural improvement, alternative enterprises, general rural development, and agricultural services. The allocations are €321 million for the Border, Midland and Western Region and €271 million for the Southern and Eastern Region.
