Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Sep 1995

Vol. 456 No. 2

Written Answers. - Local Improvement Scheme.

Robert Molloy

Question:

55 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that applicants under the local improvement scheme in County Galway are being informed by Galway County Council that it will be five years at least before they can benefit under the terms of that scheme; if he will increase the local improvement scheme allocation to ensure that applicants can benefit under the scheme within 12 months of application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13638/95]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

The 1995 provision of £3 million for this scheme represents an increase of £500,000 or 20 per cent on total 1994 payments. The administration of the scheme is devolved to county councils and details of waiting lists in individual counties are not available in my Department. The extent of such lists can be influenced by the different practices adopted in different areas and is not necessarily an objective measure of relative need. There is no additional funds available to me to increase the allocations already notified to county councils for 1995.