Irish Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has announced conversions of an electrical supply from Single Phase to Three Phase may be eligible for funding under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.

The Department previously had run a very successful programme under the CLÁR scheme which funded the conversion of an electricity supply from Single Phase to Three Phase.

Three Phase supply is required for businesses that have any significant usage of electricity and many businesses cannot afford the conversion cost of the upgrade of the lines from Single Phase to Three Phase, thus stunting their growth.

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The minister said: "The alternative to a Three Phase supply is often very expensive converters or generators which are prone to difficulty.

"The Department, due to the high demand for the scheme, under the CLÁR Programme, had to close the scheme in 2008. I am delighted that it is now possible to extend the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 to cover the conversions of an electricity supply to Three Phase."

Both community based projects and those from private promoters may qualify for grant aid subject to the eligibility criteria of the programme.

In relation to the rate of funding, the relevant rates of the Rural Development Programme will apply i.e. for private individual/companies - 50% and for non-profit community based projects - 75%.

It is a basic condition that the projects should fit into the Local Area Groups local development strategy.

(PR/GK)