Brian Cowen
Question:49 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to address the lack of investment on farms. [1857/96]
Vol. 460 No. 6
49 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to address the lack of investment on farms. [1857/96]
In 1995 a total of almost £52 million was paid out in grant aid for farm development schemes as against £35.5 in 1994. This represents an increase of over £16 million. Measures under the Operational Programme for Agriculture Rural Development and Forestry 1994-99 are making a significant contribution towards achieving increased levels of investment on farms. Over the remaining years of the programme the projected public expenditure is £155 million. The gross investment over the period of the programme is anticipated to be some £500 million.