asked the Minister for Education if he will indicate the amount of the grant for the proposed community development at Elm Park, Clonmel, County Tipperary, the regulations, if any, which will apply to such a grant, when the money will be made available and to whom it will be paid.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clonmel Community Development.
34.
The grant will amount to two-thirds of the cost of the recreational development, subject to a maximum of £166,000. It will be conditional on the provision of a suitable site, a local contribution of one-third of the cost, and acceptable arrangements for the maintenance and management of the facilities on completion. The grant will be paid to the local authority in instalments during the course of the work on the provision of the facilities.
Is the Minister aware that there is a very active development association at Elm Park, Clonmel, representing some 300 householders? What role, if any, may the association play in the development of the scheme to which the Minister referred?
As I explained, this is an entirely new scheme. These moneys were allocated on information available and Clonmel figured in it so far as there was information in the Department that this area could benefit from the scheme. As I said I am concerned about the maintenance of the project and that it be utilised to the maximum extent. While I cannot say at the moment precisely what form the local board of management will take, I hope the local authorities and the voluntary organisations to benefit from the service will combine to act as a management board. In that connection there would obviously be representation for the local development association or community council on the board of management.
Is the Minister saying that Clonmel Borough Council will be responsible for the planning and administration of the scheme?
Yes. They are providing a site and at present my officers are discussing this with the local council. The local urban council will provide a site and guarantee one-third of the cost. My Department will provide a grant up to a maximum of £166,000. It is felt that subsequently the local authority, plus representatives of the local community, will be the people best suited to organise, administer and decide what services should be provided in this sports complex.
On whom does the planning for the building and servicing of the complex devolve?
In the building unit of the Department of Education there is a prototype sports complex. This will be handed to the local authority and tenders will be invited for building this sports complex.
Will the vocational education committee be given a say in this project?
I do not see why they should be denied a say but we were so concerned about getting on with the work that we did not have an opportunity to consider all the details, but as I have said, we are operating on the principle that representatives of the local people are those positioned best to administer this facility.
When is it hoped to commence a programme of this kind?
I am hoping that work will have commenced on all these projects within the next couple of months.
Questions Nos. 35 and 36 for written reply.