AQW 42401/11-15

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 17/02/2015
Answered On Date: 25/02/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for an update on the Rural Borewells Scheme; and whether she has plans to open the scheme for applications in 2015.

Answer:

Sixty-three borewells have been drilled for eligible applications received in 2012 and 2013. Site-works for the twenty-six eligible applications received in 2014 have also commenced.

A decision on whether to open again in 2015 must take account of departmental priorities within both DARD and DRD and also the level of demand for the Rural Borewells Scheme. A review of the Scheme is currently being undertaken by DARD and DRD officials. This review will influence the decision on future delivery of this Scheme; a decision which I anticipate will be made within the coming weeks.