John Perry
Ceist:230 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the details of the scheme for stables and horse arenas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27794/01]
Written Answers. - Alternative Enterprises.
The scheme of investment aid in alternative enterprises provides grant aid for housing and handling facilities for horses and other agricultural enterprises not in surplus. The scheme is open to farmers who have a minimum of 30 income units of which at least 20 must come from farming and not more than 200 income units in total fulfil certain requirements regarding agricultural experience and training are land owners or have leasehold title to lands on which it is proposed to carry out the development, farm in accordance with good farming practice, submit a business plan in respect of the proposed enterprise.
The level of grant aid available is set at 40% for applicants with not more than 150 income units and 20% in respect of applicants with more than 150 income units and not more than 200 income units. The maximum investment ceiling is 31,743 – £25,000 – per holding in respect of horses. Investment items eligible for aid include stables and associated concrete areas, feed storage facilities, handling facilities, horse exercise walker, all weather gallop, fencing and water supply. Application forms and scheme documents are available in the local farm development services office of my Department.