Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she intends aiding digesters and other new technology to deal with pig and poultry manure arising from the application of the nitrates directive. [12200/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As part of the arrangements to assist farmers meet the additional requirements of the nitrates directive, I have announced my intention to introduce a scheme to support the demonstration of new technologies in reducing the volume of livestock manures or their nutrient content. Under the proposed scheme, financial support will be provided for up to ten projects throughout the State for the installation of such systems, including fluidised bed combustion or treatment plants comprising of anaerobic-aerobic digestion systems.

The maximum eligible investment ceiling per project will be €1 million and the total State contribution, at a grant-rate of 40%, will therefore be up to €4 million. The scheme will be introduced as soon as the required EU approval has been received.