Vol. 401 No. 1
55 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Energy the reason for the withdrawal, without prior notice, of the present EC grant aid scheme to farmers for the extension of electricity supply to their farms; if he will restore this scheme so that farmers can complete their farm development plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The western package electrification scheme is part of the programme for western development which is a package of agricultural development measures for the less favoured areas of the country. It also includes measures relating to forestry, roads, water schemes, land improvement and agricultural training.
My Department were recently advised that the EC funds for the overall programme have been exhausted. In the circumstances, it was essential to stop accepting applications as it would have been very unfair to create expectations which could not be fulfilled.
The scheme has provided a very welcome boost to rural electrification. Grant aid of almost £7 million has assisted over 5,400 electricity connections since the scheme commenced in 1981.
