asked the Minister for Energy the reason a western package electricity grant has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the withholding of a grant will jeopardise the viability of the person's business, with consequent serious job losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Western Package Electrification Scheme.
142.
Regulation No. (EEC) 1030/88, which governs the western package electrification scheme, is very strict with regard to eligibility. Articles 4 and 18A of the regulation provide that only applicants who are dependent principally on agriculture for their income are eligible for assistance under the scheme.
The application referred to by the Deputy has not been approved because, on the basis of the information provided in his application, the person concerned does not fulfil these requirements. Electricity supply, however, can be extended to the premises by the ESB under normal terms, details of which are available at the local ESB office.