Vol. 546 No. 3
258 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the funding available in 2002 from the EDRF budget for sewerage schemes; the provision made in 2001 and 2000 for sewerage schemes under this fund; the moneys drawn down in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31566/01]
The national development plan provides for investment of 71 million under the European Regional Development Fund during the period 2000-2006 on wastewater infrastructure. Commitments from the fund for the years 2000, 2001 and 2002 are 29.591 million, 9.11 million and 3.62 million respectively.
An initial claim totalling 9.7 million has been submitted to the EU Commission in respect of local authority expenditure to 30 June 2001. Under regulations governing the management of the European Regional Development Fund, commitments in any year must be drawn down within two years following the year in which the commitment was made. It is anticipated that the relevant wastewater projects being co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund will fully absorb all committed funds in the required timeframe.
