Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:110 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when he will announce the promised pollution control grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16986/00]
Written Answers. - Control of Farm Pollution Scheme.
Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, a provision of £167 million has been made for a scheme of farm waste management. This measure will form part of the new regional operational programmes for the Border, midland and western region and the southern and eastern region. The programmes have been submitted to the European Commission for approval. The negotiation process with the European Commission 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 applicants.