Skip to main content
Normal View

Grant Payments.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2004

Tuesday, 22 June 2004

Questions (284, 285)

Michael Ring

Question:

284 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there is a grant aid available from his Department or State agencies dealing with Gaeltacht areas for the replacement of machinery for a business (details supplied); if such schemes have been run in the past for same and if so, the payments which were issued and the persons to whom they were issued. [18527/04]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, Údarás na Gaeltachta provides a range of financial incentives for new or existing businesses and industries in Gaeltacht areas, in line with European Union regional aid guidelines and training aid guidelines. I understand that Údarás has in the past assisted the type of activity referred to by the Deputy. However, the current European Union regional aid guidelines for initial investment specifically preclude state aid for the replacement or upgrading of the type of machinery in question.

Information on relation to grant assistance made to persons or companies is published by Údarás in its annual reports, which are available in the Oireachtas Library. However, I understand from Údarás that the specific and detailed information requested by the Deputy would not be readily identifiable in such annual reports and that it would take an inordinate amount of time to extricate it from the records of grants paid that are held by Údarás. If, however, the Deputy has any particular cases in mind, I will be glad to request further information from Údarás on receipt of additional information from him.

Michael Ring

Question:

285 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there are grants available for businesses within Gaeltacht areas; and if there are grants available from Údarás or other State agencies dealing with Gaeltacht areas. [18528/04]

View answer

The primary responsibility to assist businesses and industries in Gaeltacht areas rests with Údarás na Gaeltachta. As the regional development agency charged with promoting the economic, social and cultural development of Gaeltacht regions, Údarás promotes productive schemes of employment through the development of local natural resources, skills and entrepreneurial abilities and the attraction of mobile investment to the Gaeltacht. In this context, Údarás provides a range of financial incentives for new or existing businesses and industries in Gaeltacht areas, in line with European Union regional aid guidelines and training aid guidelines. Full details in this regard are available directly from Údarás.

Small businesses in Gaeltacht areas may also apply for assistance to the relevant leader company, that is, Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta, Comhar leader Iorrais Teoranta or, in the case of Gaeltacht islands, Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann. In addition, assistance for small-scale local initiatives which focus on social inclusion and equality may be available from Area Development Management Limited.

Top
Share