Western drainage scheme applications
The Minister said western drainage was not part of the Farm Improvement Programme but would be covered by a separate western package, alongside a nationwide drainage element. Asked about accumulated western applications and the scheme’s future, he said the file was in Brussels and expected back within four weeks.
Will the Minister of State give any indication as to whether the western drainage scheme is included in this new programme of investment?
Comment on this
Not in this programme, but it will be in the western package. Something that seems to be overlooked but which I assume will be clarified in the next week is that there is a drainage content for the whole country in the farm improvement programme which will extend itself right across the west at this stage.
Comment on this
I asked a short question and the Minister of State gave a quick reply. I want to ask him if he is aware of the terrible confusion in the western area and within the staff of the farm development service vis-á-vis the threat to the western drainage scheme on and after 31 December 1986. Can he assure this House and the farmers of the west that the applications that have accumulated since 30 June 1982 will be dealt with in the future?
