Mary Flaherty
Question:5 Miss Flaherty asked the Taoiseach when a decision will be made on successful projects under the URBAN initiative in view of the needs of the north Dublin area. [2197/95]
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - URBAN Initiative.
The application from Ireland for the URBAN initiative is under discussion with the European Commission. These discussions will be progressed as quickly as possible, in particular, with a view to finalising the areas which will participate.
In terms of the needs of the north Dublin area, I appreciate the desire to maximise the funding available to the area. Substantial funding for the area from the local urban and rural development programme will be channelled through the county enterprise board, partnerships in Ballymun, Finglas and Coolock-Darndale, as well as the local authorities. These funds will support various activities with the objective of countering disadvantage in all its manifestations and of improving the socio-economic and environmental situation in north Dublin.
How many applications for funding were received by the Government under this initiative and how many will be considered at European level?
My Department received 44 proposals: 17 from Dublin Corporation, two from Fingal County Council, five from South Dublin County Council, two from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, six from Cork city, three from Galway city, three from Limerick city and six others. The previous Government proposed five of these initiatives. I understand from the European Commission office that two of the five proposals do not meet the criteria set down and it will accept a maximum of two of the remaining three proposals. However, many of the proposals have merit and it is proposed that the interdepartmental committee on local development will consider how they might be assisted through other means.
I am aware that there is a tremendous need in the north Dublin area for funding such as that available under the URBAN initiative and I hope that that region will be successful. It is clear that if only a maximum of two can be considered the sponsors of 42 projects will be disappointed. Does the Minister of State see any prospect of a substantial increase in funding under the URBAN initiative as it compares poorly with the funding available for rural areas under the Leader programme? Will he be pushing the door to secure extra funding? Does the Minister of State see any prospect of direct funding from his Department for the successful projects, many of which he indicated were worthy of support?
Some of the proposals submitted by individuals and groups did not meet the criteria set down. I will be announcing separately in the near future the 34 local development regions and some of the areas which were not successful will be included. In many cases these Irish projects will meet the same objectives as the URBAN initiative. A maximum of two areas will be considered. The decision will not be made by me but by the European Commission.
Will the Minister of State clarify whether the three proposals under consideration include the proposal covering the north Dublin region which has the backing of Dublin Corporation?
They include a proposal covering the north Dublin city area.
Do they include any project in Cork?
The Deputy is going beyond the bounds of the question.
Because it relates to conurbations with a population of 100,000 or more the scheme will mainly cover Dublin and Cork and, possibly, Limerick and Galway. There was a short list of five areas which included Cork. There is now a short list of three, two of which will be selected. I cannot say if Cork will be one of the two but I will do my best for the Deputy.
Is Limerick eligible?
We are going way beyond the bounds of the question.
Based on the criteria set down by the European Commission it is unlikely that Limerick will qualify but I hope to be in a position to announce some other forms of assistance for Limerick which might be equally acceptable.
It is badly needed.