Vol. 467 No. 7
448 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for the Marine the total funding that is available under the INTERREG II programme towards the development of inland fisheries; the funding, if any, that will be allocated to each regional fisheries board; the projects that have been assisted to date; the projects that will be assisted during the remainder of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14418/96]
The objectives of the fisheries measure of the INTERREG II programme are to encourage cross-Border co-operation in the fisheries sector and to assist in the development, conservation and protection of fisheries.
Funding totalling IR£2.5 million will be available under the two fisheries measures over the term of the programme. The EU aid rate will be up to a maximum of 75 per cent. The actual aid rate will vary depending on the recipient body and the nature of the project.
No projects have been approved to date under the fisheries measures. A number of projects are undergoing assessment and evaluation and an announcement will be made shortly in relation to a major project in the Border region.
While funds are not specifically earmarked for the regional fisheries boards under the programme it is expected that a substantial proportion of the available funding will be taken up by the relevant boards under their various fisheries development programme in Border regions.
