Vol. 407 No. 3
34 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of the heavy rainfall in recent years, he is prepared to introduce a new grant scheme for land drainage and water courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The funds available to Ireland under the EC structural arrangements have been fully allocated to areas of highest priority such as pollution control, headage, rural development and mandatory investment schemes.
Land drainage was not considered to be in the first priority categories. The position in regard to the Structural Funds is being kept under review and should finance become available the question of maintenance drainage grants could be considered.
Under the farm improvement programme, aid for reclamation, including minor drainage, will continue to be available at grant rates of 30 per cent in the less favoured areas and 20 per cent elsewhere.
