Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 3

Written Answers. - North Dublin Development Funding.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

72 Mr. Broughan asked the Taoiseach his views on whether it will be necessary to increase funding for local socio-economic development on the northside of Dublin in view of the major long-term unemployment and related social problems of that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19137/95]

The Taoiseach

Combating long-term unemployment and social exclusion is a priority for the Government. Funding for local socio-economic development, in so far as my Department is concerned, is available through the mechanisms of the Operational Programme for Local Urban and Rural Development, the URBAN Initiative and a small amount through a Discretionary Grants Scheme for projects in certain areas.

I have overall co-ordinating responsibility for the Operational Programme for Local Urban and Rural Development, with specific responsibility for the integrated development of designated disadvantaged areas element. The other elements of the Operational Programme, which target enterprise and the renewal of the physical environment in towns and villages, are the responsibility of the Ministers for Enterprise and Employment and Environment respectively.

The disadvantaged areas element is managed by an independent intermediary company, ADM Ltd. ADM's role is to assess local development plans prepared by Partnerships and other groups and allocate funds accordingly. This process has been completed in the case of the Northside, Ballymun and Finglas/ Cabra Partnerships. I have no role in relation to the allocation of funds to Partnerships by ADM Ltd. In addition, the northside area of Finglas/ Ballymun/Darndale is one of only three areas nationally included for funding in the URBAN initiative, with project funding to be concentrated on Ballymun. This will involve additional expenditure estimated to be in excess of £5 million in the Northside areas — not available to most regions of the country.

There is also a limited Discretionary Grants Scheme available to support socio-economic development principally in urban areas which will not benefit from URBAN. Applications received in response to a press advertisement on 6 December, 1995 are being processed. To date three grants have been paid to organisations on the northside of Dublin.