asked the Minister for the Environment if his Department will make a request for EC funding towards the upgrading and improvement of county roads leading to Bord Fáilte registered hotels and guesthouses in tourist resorts throughout South-West Cork.
Written Answers. - County Cork Roads.
53.
I presume that the Deputy is referring to EC assistance from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which is the predominant source of EC aid for road schemes.
The ERDF is, at present, governed by Council Regulation (EEC) No. 1787/84 of 19 June 1984. Under these existing arrangements the initial selection of possible roads projects for applications for ERDF assistance is a matter for my Department. Only projects funded from State road grant are selected. Information on the projects is submitted to the Department of Finance, which is the authority with responsibility for making applications for ERDF assistance.
On 24 June 1988, the EC Council adopted a framework regulation containing changes in the structural funds, including the ERDF. The regulation will come into force on 1 January 1989. Detailed EC Regulations for the implementation of these changes which will deal inter alia with eligibility guidelines are being prepared. At this stage I am unable to indicate specific proposals.