Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the scheme for grant aid for the establishment of abattoirs; if he will provide details on the uptake of this funding and the way information on this scheme is being circulated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25670/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has supported capital investment into the marketing and processing of agricultural products in various sectors. In December 2007 my Department invited applications in the areas of horticulture, livestock marts and small slaughterhouses and low throughput meat establishments. The closing date for receipt of applications was the 29th of February 2008.

In respect of small slaughterhouses and low throughput meat establishments, a total of 51 eligible applications were received. These eligible applications are undergoing a detailed assessment and evaluation process. This process involved, in a considerable number of cases, seeking additional information from the applicants in terms of business plans, financial information and technical drawings. The evaluation process is nearing completion.