asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the benefits accruing to certain areas in County Louth arising from the extension of the western package to these areas.
Written Answers. - Western Package Benefits.
89.
The revised western package will now extend to all areas of the country designated as disadvantaged including those in Louth. It covers the existing aids for the improvement of infrastructures (eligible roads, water, electricity), land improvement, forestry development, and the provision of training facilities for farmers. It also provides for new investment aids including grants for basic livestock housing, fodder and effluent storage without the need for a farm plan, as well as aid to improve family farm incomes through non-traditional farm enterprises.
Details of the new schemes will be announced as soon as the revised programme has been approved by the EC Commission.