Willie Penrose
Ceist:148 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when he will introduce the new farmyard pollution grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11892/00]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, provision has been made for an amount of £167 million for a scheme of farm waste management.
The measure will form part of the new regional operational programmes for the Border, midland and eastern region and the southern and eastern region. These programmes are now being drafted under the responsibility of the respective regional assemblies and will shortly be formally submitted to the European Commission for approval. The negotiation process is expected to take a number of months and consequently the measure is unlikely to come on stream until later in the year.
In the meantime, it is intended that the national scheme for the control of farm pollution will remain in operation and open to applications.