Vol. 548 No. 5
332 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Sligo Borough Council has sought approval for refurbishment schemes in respect of houses at locations (details supplied); when it is expected that the refurbishment schemes will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5634/02]
Sligo Borough Council's proposals for the refurbishment of its dwellings in Jinks Avenue, St. Bridget's Place, Garavogue Villas and St. Edward's Terrace have all been approved for funding under my Department's remedial works scheme. Tender documentation for St. Edward's Terrace is being examined in my Department and a decision will be conveyed to the council shortly. Further documentation and information is awaited from the council in respect of the Jinks Avenue, St. Bridget's Place and Garavogue Villas projects.
333 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will give details of the ten small towns with the worst poverty levels; the criteria by which this was decided; and the number of towns which were in the group for investigation. [5636/02]
Provincial towns with a population in excess of 4,000, but excluding those urban areas which were included under strand I of the RAPID programme, were assessed for inclusion under strand II for provincial towns. The number of small towns assessed was 39. Towns were selected on the basis of objective criteria with particular reference to local authority housing and levels of educational attainment. Regard was also had to other relevant indicators such as the Trutz Haase index of deprivation. The independent identification process was managed on behalf of my Department by Area Development Management limited.
The ten small towns selected for inclusion in the programme are: Athy, Mallow, Ballinasloe, New Ross, Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary, Cavan, Tuam, Longford, Youghal
Questions Nos. 334 and 335 answered with Question No. 318.
