Coughlan to seek rural plan approval

A FOUR-WEEK public consultation process is to take place on the €7 billion draft Rural Development Programme for the period 2007 to 2013.

Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan said she intends to seek early approval of the programme from the EU Commission with a view to implementing it in 2007.

Rural Affairs Minister Eamon Ó Cuiv said while support under the draft programme will be directed towards the competitiveness of the agricultural sector there is also a significant focus on the wider rural economy.