Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

The reality is that €5 million was provided in grant aid for this year and €4.5 million has been allocated. The projects referred to by the Deputy are more than likely in Natura 2000 sites where grant aid cannot be paid until the issues outstanding have been addressed. Consultants were commissioned to prepare an environmental impact assessment. Subsequent to that the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, through the Central Fisheries Board and the other Department through the National Parks and Wildlife Service, had reservations about elements of the assessment which was carried out and raised these. Until they are dealt with it will be impossible to have the operational programme activated. However, following the meeting on 13 May, most of the outstanding issues have been addressed with the European Commission. At this stage I am satisfied that when that process has been completed we will be able to deal with the outstanding issues involving the other Departments.

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