asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has received a progress report on the Pilot Integrated Rural Development Programme; and if he will allocate any funds for their proposals in 1990.
75.
Written Answers. - Progress Report on Pilot Programme.
74.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether he has received an interim progress report from the Clare/South Galway Pilot Integrated Rural Development Group; and whether he will allocate any money to this project in 1990.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 75 together.
The Economic and Social Research Institute have been engaged to provide an evaluation of the operation of the pilot programme for integrated rural development which covers 12 areas including the Clare/south Galway area. An interim report on the programme as a whole was furnished in July 1989. A final report will be furnished after the conclusion of the programme in October 1990.
The operating costs of the pilot programme are borne in full by the State with part recoupment from the EC. Assistance is also provided towards the cost of professional input into feasibility studies. In addition, specific projects may avail of existing sources of State aid.