Vol. 558 No. 1
319 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if applications prioritised for the third tranche of grant aid under the EU co-funded aquaculture development measure of the southern and eastern regional operations programme of the NDP 2000-2006, are included for funding in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23809/02]
The selection of aquaculture projects for grant aid under the aquaculture measure of the National Development Plan 2000-2006 is undertaken by a selection board on a competitive basis following their evaluation by the State agencies BIM and Údarás na Gaeltachta in accordance with predetermined criteria.
The Department is currently undertaking a review of existing committed and available funding as provided in the 2003 Estimates to determine the extent to which any further funding for aquaculture development can be made available in 2003 in relation, inter alia, to a third tranche of aquaculture awards under the south and eastern operational programme.
