Vol. 510 No. 3
35 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Develop ment the number of applications received to date for control of farmyard pollution grants; if he has satisfied himself that there are sufficient financial resources available to his Department to process all outstanding grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22427/99]
The national scheme for the control of farm pollution was introduced on 28 June 1999. Since that date, a total of 4,135 applications have been received in my Department and over 900 applicants have received approvals for grant aid.
Support for pollution control measures is a key priority and I am committed to facilitating the capital investment necessary for the long-term protection and development of agriculture in a sustainable manner. Support for the measures involved is a central element of the proposals submitted by my Department in the context of the National Development Plan 2000-06.
I am satisfied the overall level of resources which will be available to my Department in the area of farm pollution control will enable the outstanding applications to be accommodated.
