Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 February 2013
173. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if funds that had been allocated for the rural broadband scheme from the rural development fund have not been spent for that purpose could be re-allocated for another purpose, including further places on the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6504/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has informed my Department that the objective of the Rural Broadband Reach Scheme has been fulfilled without the need to utilise any EAFRD monies. Consequently EAFRD funding originally made available for that scheme under the Rural Development Programme may be re-allocated for other rural development measures which address the so called new challenges as required under the Health Check allocation. My Department is currently examining options in this regard with a view to ensuring full draw down of all available EAFRD funding. Any proposals on re-allocation of EAFRD funds will require matching national funding which is subject to ongoing budgetary constraints.
