92003E2399

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2399/03

by Elspeth Attwooll (ELDR) to the Commission

(21 July 2003)

Subject: EU funding possibilities for electricity grid connections

It was recently reported that a small village in Wales used Objective 1 funding to help fund the connection of a number of houses to the national grid electricity supply. Could the Commission confirm that the

Objective 1 transitional programme in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland could be used for a similar purpose? Could the Commission also confirm whether there are any other sources of EU funding that could contribute to projects that aim to connect either homes, businesses or both to the national electricity supply?

Could the Commission also answer the above questions but in relation to water supplies?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(22 August 2003)

The Single Programming Document of 2000-2006 Highlands & Islands Special Transitional Programme stipulates that assistance from Guidance Section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund can be available for the provision or upgrading of electricity and water supplies.

Concerning water supplies, a measure in the Programme is dedicated to waste management, water provision and sewage treatment and pollution control. The aim of this measure is to improve water provision and sewage treatment which benefits economic activity and better protects the environment.

The responsibility for deciding on the selection of projects co-financed by European Structural Funds lies with the Regional Partnership in the Highlands & Islands (HIPP).