Written Answers. - EU Urban Programme.
Seán Haughey
Question:
104
Mr. Haughey
asked the
Taoiseach
if he will confirm that Dublin Corporation has made a submission to his Department seeking EU urban funding for a regeneration programme for North Dublin; if he will consider this matter favourably; when a final decision will be given; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2296/94]
Tony Gregory
Question:
108
Mr. Gregory
asked the
Taoiseach
if he will give details of the various applications made for consideration under the EU urban programme which were received by his office in time for the closing date on Friday, 14 October 1994.
[1984/94]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 104 and 108 together.
The Urban Initiative will provide aid to a limited number of urban areas within cities and urban agglomerations, generally with a population of more than 100,000. The target areas will be urban neighbourhoods, geographically defined, with a high level of unemployment, with a decayed urban fabric, bad housing conditions and lack of social amenities. Priority will be given to innovative projects forming part of long term urban integration strategies being implemented by the cities.
The final decision about the number of areas to be funded under Urban rests with the European Commission following negotiations between my Department and the Commission in the context of preparing the operational programme required under the initiative, which will be published. The decision about the areas to be proposed for funding will be taken by the Government.
To assist in the consideration of the areas to be put forward to the Commission, my Department advertised for proposals in respect of the Urban Initiative on 16 September 1994, and asked that proposals be submitted before Friday 14 October 1994. The advertisement specified that because of the stipulation that the initiative was intended for cities with a population of more than 100,000, with smaller cities being considered only in exceptional circumstances, only applications from Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway could expect to be considered.
Follow-up briefing meetings with the relevant local authorities and with community groups and organisations who had expressed an interest in Urban were arranged by the Department.
Forty-four proposals have been received in my Department from local authorities, other organisations, community groups and individuals as follows in respect of areas or projects:
|
No. of Applications
|
|
Dublin: Corporation
|
17
|
|
Fingal
|
2
|
|
South County Dublin
|
5
|
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown
|
2
|
|
Cork city
|
6
|
|
Galway city
|
3
|
|
Limerick city
|
3
|
|
Other
|
6
|
Many of the proposals received in respect of the Urban Initiative, especially those from community groups, comprise individual innovative projects which would form part of a wider and more long term strategy for development of urban areas.
These proposals are being considered in the context of those specific geographic areas concerned, with a view to establishing the basis for a framework strategy for the development of areas which are most likely to meet the Commission's criteria.
As the Urban Initiative will be approved for an urban area rather than in terms of individual applicants it would not be appropriate, at this stage to provide details of the individual proposals. However, I can confirm that a joint application has been received from Dublin Corporation, the Ballymun, Finglas and Northside Partnerships and Dublin City Enterprise Board, and this will be considered as part of the process outlined above. The Government will communicate its proposals to the Commission within the next three weeks.
