Allister tells DARD 'Get a Move on' with Rural Development Funding
17 January 2008
Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister has challenged DARD to get a move on with rolling out new Rural Development funding.
Mr Allister said,
“I am aware that the Northern Ireland Programme was one of the first to receive EU approval in July last year. However, six months later we see little evidence of new funding schemes opening for the benefit of farmers and the wider rural population.
“There has been much talk of a £500 million package for the rural community. I want to know when this money will start to be rolled out through farm modernisation grants, diversification opportunities or the re-opening of the countryside management scheme. I also believe potential applicants are still very much in the dark about who will be responsible for delivery of funding, and how they should go about accessing funds. DARD must provide greater transparency and awareness of delivery this time round.”
“Developments within agriculture are in danger of superseding the Rural Development Programme. For example, the Red Meat Task Force Report was launched in October, while as yet it would seem no funds have been diverted into implementing the recommendations of this important Report.”
“I have written to DARD on this issue, my message being ‘Get a move on’!
Farmers and the wider rural community deserve to have funds rolled out without any further delay.”
ENDS
