Minister confirms complaint to European Commission by West Cork Development Partnership

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Information on Heather Humphreys has confirmed that the West Cork Development Partnership has brought a complaint to the European Commission regarding an alleged breach of state aid rules in Cork, but said the Commission has not yet decided to launch a formal investigation.

Meanwhile, Departmental officials will be questioned by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht on the process and the rationale behind their decisions not to appoint Comhar na nOileán and the West Cork Development Partnership (WCDP) as LEADER rural development organisations, according to Committee chairman Peadar Tóibín, TD.

“The Commission has written to my Department requesting additional information on this matter, and my Department will assist the Commission in obtaining any information or clarification required,” Ms Humphreys told the Dail last week.