Vol. 556 No. 5
12 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if there are plans to extend the alternative enterprise scheme to include grant aid for an all weather training area for horses; if he will consider such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20842/02]
My Department makes grant aid available to farmers for investment in housing or handling facilities for horses under the scheme of investment aid in alternative enterprises which was established pursuant to the national development plan. Horse lunging and exercise areas are among the investment items eligible for grant aid, with or without a special all-weather surface. Such facilities must comply with my Department's building specifications for such facilities. The maximum amount of investment eligible for grant aid under the scheme is €31,743 per holding in respect of horses. Application forms and further details of the scheme may be obtained from the local offices of my Department. It is a strict condition of the scheme that only invest ments undertaken with prior written approval of the Department will qualify for grant aid.
