asked the Minister for Local Government the proposals at present under consideration in his Department to avail of EEC aid for rural roads and other such schemes for which it is available; if he will indicate the bodies with whom these proposals have been discussed to date; and if any proposals will be ready for submission on 1st January, 1973.
Written Answers. - EEC Road Fund.
83.
I assume that this question arises from a previous question by the Deputy regarding the possibility of obtaining grants for rural roads under Regulation 17/64 EEC. There are precedents in the allocation of aid in former years from the Guidance Section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund for roads, drainage and water-supply projects. While no assurance can be given that similar type projects will qualify for aid in the future, projects in the areas of activity mentioned are under consideration in my Department at the moment to establish whether they should be put forward for consideration for aid. It is not considered necessary to consult other bodies at this stage, except the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
The submission of proposals to the EEC Commission will be a matter for the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, who has already announced his intention of forwarding applications to the Commission as early as possible in 1973.