asked the Minister for Agriculture the position over the last two years regarding the percentage of FEOGA grants available to this country; if all of the grants available have been taken up; if not, why; and the extent to which urban areas have benefited from these grants as a percentage of the rest of the country.
Written Answers. - FEOGA Grants
184.
The percentages of the total grants under the FEOGA Projects Scheme which were approved for this country in 1977 and 1978 were 7.3 per cent and 7.7 per cent, respectively. Payment of these grants is made on the application of the promoters once work on the project has been executed. The total amount approved for this country since the scheme was applied here amounts to £33.5 million, of which some £7.2 million has been paid. While many of the projects involved have not yet been completed, the promoters concerned are constantly being advised of the importance of submitting FEOGA claims for payment without delay. The assistance of the IDA in this matter has also been enlisted.
Approximately 50 per cent of the amount involved relates to projects located in urban areas.