Vol. 488 No. 1
93 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will outline, further to Parliamentary Question No. 78 of 12 November 1997, the progress, if any, in 1998 on the development of the spawning and nursing streams in Lough Arrow, County Sligo; when funds will be made available; the amount of funding allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5817/98]
The Lough Arrow fisheries development project, which seeks funding of £300,000, has been assessed and recommended for approval from relevant technical and other perspectives by the TAM technical and evaluation committee. The management committee for the TAM measure is reviewing all current applications for grant aid at present by reference to longstanding criteria as well as additional criteria agreed in light of the mid-term review for all tourism projects under the tourism operational programme. These additional criteria are focused on ensuring that projects, first, catalyse the development of non traditional tourist areas, improved geographical spread; second, contribute to extension of the tourism season; third, contribute to enhancement of the area and are compatible with other tourism facilities; and, fourth, are assisted at the minimum rate needed to allow them to proceed, in order to maximise available funding.
The Lough Arrow project, along with all other tourism angling projects currently in the pipeline for funding, is being assessed in accordance with all the relevant criteria and I expect decisions to be taken during the month of April.
