Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

As the Deputy will be aware, the CLÁR three-phase electricity conversion scheme has proven to be a popular and worthwhile measure. Since 2002, almost €5.42 million has been invested in 438 businesses, sports clubs and community centres to enhance electricity supply.

In a context where funding approved under CLÁR and the level of outstanding commitments increased significantly in 2008, a number of measures, including the three-phase electricity conversion measure, were closed and new applications are not currently being accepted. Against the background of the current economic climate, I am reviewing the CLÁR programme as a whole, having regard to demand, the funding available and the level of outstanding commitments. In this context, I will consider the reintroduction of a modified single to three-phase electricity measure when circumstances allow.

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