Michael Ring
Ceist:82 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of projects in County Mayo sanctioned and paid from the European Regional Development Fund in each of the years 1996 and 1997. [16663/98]
Written Answers. - EU Funding.
Under the Community Support Framework a number of operational programmes have an European Regional Development Fund component from which projects are funded.
The Industrial Development Operational Programme 1994-1999 is implemented by a number of industrial development agencies. European Regional Development Fund assistance is applied to the programme or scheme as a whole rather than to individual projects. The total number of projects arising under schemes supported by the European Regional Development Fund in County Mayo in 1996 and 1997 is as follows: 47 in 1996 and 44 in 1997.
Under the Human Resources Development Operational Programme, European Regional Development Fund assistance was drawn down in respect of post-primary building projects in 1996 at the following locations: Castlebar Vocational School; and Scoil Mhuire agus Padraig, Swinford.
With regard to the Human Resources Employment Initiative, pilot projects must be in receipt of European Social Fund under this initiative to qualify for European Regional Development Fund aid. Two projects in County Mayo were approved for funding in 1996 and 1997 as follows: Enterprise Connacht/Ulster, Ballyhaunis; and Western Care Association, Castlebar.
Funding for county enterprise boards is provided for under the Local, Urban and Rural Development Operational Programme, and the following grant approvals have been made in 1996 and 1997: 50 grant approvals in 1996 and 47 grant approvals in 1997. Projects are paid in instalments and over various years.