MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands to benefit for more European Union aid.

The Falkland Islands Government which has already benefited from a grant of 3.2 million euros (US$3.5 millions) from the European Union, can expect to receive another 3.0 million euros in development aid, which will be spread over a 5 years period.

Christian Simon who has responsibility for the Falklands and other Overseas Territories announced the plan while recently visiting the Islands as part of a familiarization trip. The original grant paid for a renewable energy programme, improving pasture land, building new jetties and preparing link roads to a new abattoir which is now under construction. It is hoped that the new abattoir which is being built to European Union standards will allow locally produced lamb and beef to be sold to the 1500 British Troops which are stationed on the Falklands. Some of the money has also being used in projects aimed at allowing Falklands farmers to diversify, as the price of wool continues to drop, and production costs increase.

The anticipated grant of 3.0 million euros will depend upon a ?decision of association' which will involve all 15 member states of the European Union, said Mr Simon. The new money, should it be approved, could become available to the Falklands at the end of February when a decision in Brussels will be taken. Said Mr Simon, ?I told Falklands Councillors that I would like to allocate the money for one big project which will have a certain impact'.