Rural Development Programme Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 December 2013

Tuesday, 17 December 2013

Questions (383)

Michael McCarthy

Question:

383. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government with regard to a tourism based initiative (details supplied) in County Cork, the reason such a harsh penalty was imposed on this community co-operative when a less punitive solution was available; the involvement his Department has had to date regarding this application; the efforts made to resolve the current difficulties; the steps now available to resolve this current impasse and to bring about a vibrant busy tourism centre as originally envisioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53701/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The project in question was selected for on the spot control as required under the EU Regulations governing the Rural Development Programme, and, as part of that control process, issues regarding non-compliance with public procurement were discovered. The project has been subject to the full appeals procedure within my Department and a reduction was applied to the eligible amount due to non-compliance with public procurement guidelines. My Department is currently considering additional correspondence recently received in relation to the matter.