Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 6

Written Answers. - Developmental Organisations.

Mary Wallace

Question:

72 Miss M. Wallace asked the Taoiseach the structures in place within his Department to co-ordinate in an integrated manner the various development schemes for disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10080/96]

Mary Wallace

Question:

73 Miss M. Wallace asked the Taoiseach the number of partnership boards operating in disadvantaged areas under the sub-programme for the integrated development of designated disadvantaged and other areas; the location of these partnership boards; the amount of money allocated to these boards in each year of operation; and the evaluation procedures in place. [10081/96]

Mary Wallace

Question:

74 Miss M. Wallace asked the Taoiseach the amount allocated to date under the URBAN Initiative to each of the designated disadvantaged areas; the consultation procedures in place in the decision-making process of this initiative; and the interdepartmental co-ordination structures involved in this and all other initiatives for disadvantaged urban areas with which his Department is concerned. [10083/96]

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 72, 73, and 74 together.

My Department has responsibility for the overall co-ordination of the Operational Programme for Local Urban and Rural Development, 1994-99. The operational programme for which the Minister for Local Development at this Department, Deputy Gay Mitchell, has special responsibility comprises three main sub-programmes — local enterprise, implemented by the Department of Enterprise and Employment, integrated development of designated disadvantaged and other areas, implemented by Area Development Management (ADM) Ltd., and urban and village renewal, implemented by the Department of the Environment. The following co-ordination structures are in place;

My Department chairs a monitoring committee for the operational programme. This comprises representatives from the European Commission, Government Departments the social partners, the intermediary body — ADM and sectoral, voluntary and community bodies. When the finalised urban operational programme is in place, a monitoring committee will be established for this also.

A steering group on technical assistance, also chaired by my Department, meets regularly to co-ordinate technical assistance for the implementation of the Operational Programme for Local Urban and Rural Development. This group comprises representatives of the Department of the Taoiseach, the implementing bodies for the operational programme and the European Commission.

In addition, my Department chairs an interdepartmental policy committee on local development, which meets on a monthly basis to review progress on the implementation of the Local Development Programme, to identify issues of common concern to Departments, to agree how they should be progressed and to ensure effective interdepartmental co-ordination on local development issues.

County strategy groups have been established in each county to ensure effective co-ordination of these local development initiatives, as well as the Leader initiative. These groups are supported by a liaison team based in my Department.

In addition to the operational programme, a number of other local development matters are co-ordinated by my Department. Earlier this year, the Minister of State, Deputy Carey, was asked to examine funding arrangements in the Border counties, an area which suffers from disadvantage. I understand that a task force which the Minister of State chairs will report on this matter in the near future.

In addition, the Minister of State coordinates the Government's support for development of the western region, which includes:

(i) the co-ordination of the Government's response to the proposals made in the action plan of the Western Development Partnership Board;

(ii) chairing the interdepartmental policy committee on island development which was established to provide an integrated Government framework to support the development of an improvement of living conditions on offshore islands;

(iii) overseeing the work of the steering group established in my Department to review the development and implementation of a pilot programme for the provision of public services in rural areas.

The number of area partnership boards operating under sub-programme 2 of the Operational Programme for Local Urban and Rural Development will be 38. The locations of the 36 partnerships which have opened offices are shown at annex 1. Two others, Galway County and Cavan, will open offices shortly.

I am advised by ADM Ltd. that allocations have been made to 15 partnerships to date on the basis of plans submitted and approved. As set out at annex 2, a total of £40,587,071 has been allocated to these partnership companies in respect of expenditure from 1995 to 1999. It should be noted that the operational programme was not finalised until late 1994 and there were, therefore, no allocations for that year. The remaining 23 partnerships will submit plans for appraisal over the coming months. A list of partnerships which have not yet had their action plans appraised but which have received technical assistance/interim funding is included at annex 2.

The evaluation procedures followed by ADM in respect of plans submitted by partnerships can be summarised as follows:

Each partnership produces a development plan for its area based on consultation with local communities and prioritising the specific needs of the locality. The plan must contain detailed costings of proposed actions. It should also be specifically targeted towards the most disadvantaged groups within the area i.e. the unemployed, travellers, single parents, the disabled. The plan is submitted for appraisal by ADM, which has available the services of independent evaluators. It is evaluated by the appraisal sub-committee which makes a recommendation to the ADM board based on agreed criteria. When an allocation is agreed by the board of ADM, the partnership's implementation programme is subject to ongoing monitoring, review and audit. Furthermore, the external evaluator appointed to report on the entire operational programme, monitors progress on sub-programme 2.

A revised operational programme for the URBAN Initiative has been submitted to the European Commission and it is expected that this will be finalised shortly.

The European Union URBAN Initiative is intended to help find solutions to the serious social problems caused by the crisis in many depressed urban areas. This is to be achieved through supporting schemes for economic and social revitalisation, the renovation of facilities and infrastructures and environmental improvement.

A sum of 15.5 million ECU, around £12.5 million, has been made available to Ireland under the initiative in the period to 1999. Co-financing of approximately 5 million ECU, £4 million, will be provided by the Exchequer. Agreement has been reached between the European Commission and Government that URBAN would apply in three areas — Cork northside and the Dublin areas of West Tallaght-Clondalkin and Finglas-Ballymun-Darndale. No individual allocations have been made to date.

Annex 1

Partnership Company Managers

South Kerry

Mr. Bill Thorne, Manager, South Kerry Development Partnership, Valentia Road, Caherciveen, County Kerry.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Cork City

Mr. Jim O'Flynn, Manager, Comhair Chathair Chorcaí, Sunbeam Industrial Park, Millfield, Mallow Road, Cork.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Waterford County

Mr. James Taaffe, Manager, Waterford Development Partnership Ltd., Teagasc Centre, Lismore, County Waterford.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Northside Partnership

Ms Marian Vickers, The Northside Partnership, Bonnybrook Activity Centre, Bunratty Drive, Coolock, Dublin 17.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Dublin Inner City

Mr. David Connolly, Manager, Dublin Inner City Partnership, Equity House, Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin 7.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

County Wexford

Ms Mary Lou O'Kennedy, Manager, County Wexford Partnership Ltd., Campile, New Ross, County Wexford.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Mayo

Mr. Justin Sammon, Manager, Meitheal Mhaigheo, Lower Main Street, Foxford, County Mayo.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Dundalk

Mr. John Butler, Manager, Dundalk Employment Partnership Limited, Partnership Court, Park Street, Dundalk, County Louth.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Tallaght

Ms Anna Lee, Manager, Tallaght Partnership, Unit 19 The Village Green, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Finglas-Cabra

Mr. Michael P. Bowe, Manager, Finglas-Cabra Partnership, Rosehill House, Finglas Road, Dublin 11.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Limerick

Mr. Neil Walker, Manager, PAUL Partnership Limerick, Unit 25, The Tait Centre, Dominic Street, Limerick.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Ballymun

Mr. Michael Cowman, Ballymun Partnership Ltd., North Mall, Ballymun Town Centre, Dublin 11.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Clondalkin Partnership Company

Ms Aileen O'Donoghue, Manager, Clondalkin Partnership, Camac House, Unit 4 Oakfield Industrial Estate, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Drogheda Partnership Company

Ms Mary-Ann McGlynn, Manager, Drogheda Partnership Company, 12A North Quay, Drogheda, County Louth.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Partnership Trá Lí

Mr. Séamus O'Hara, Manager, Partnership Trá Lí, 47 Ashe Street, Tralee, County Kerry.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Blanchardstown Area Partnership

Ms Susan Kelly, Manager, Blanchardstown Area Partnership, Deanstown House, Main Street, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Ballyfermot Partnership

Ms Liz O'Brien, Manager, Ballyfermot Partnership, 345 Ballyfermot Road, Dublin 10.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Pairtíocht Gaeltacht Thír Chonaill

Eithne Nic Lochlainn Uasal, Partíocht Gaeltacht Thír Chonaill MFG Teo., Aonad Eargail 1, An tEastát Tionsclaích, Na Doirí Beaga, Tír Chonaill, Contae Dún na nGall.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Páirtíocht Chonamara

Máire Uí Ghiobhúin, Pairtíocht Chonamara, Cumas Teo, Ionad Fiontar, Rosmue, Contae na Gaillimhe.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Bray Partnership

Mr. Gerry McKeever, Manager, Bray Partnership, 5 Carlton Terrace, Novara Avenue, Bray, County Wicklow.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Donegal Local Development Company

Mr. Michael Gilvarry, Donegal Local Development Company, Ballyraine, Letterkenny, County Donegal.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

North West Kildare-North Offaly Partnership

Mr. Pat Leogue, North West Kildare-North Offaly Partnership (OAK), Edenderry, Business Park, Edenderry, County Offaly.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Waterford Area Partnership

The Manager, Waterford Area Partnership, c/o Unit 35 Johnstown Industrial Centre, Waterford.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Wexford Area Partnership

Mr. David Power, Wexford Area Partnership, Clifford Street, Wexford.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Westmeath Community Development Ltd.

Mr. Joe Potter, Manager, Westmeath Community Development Ltd., Bellview, Mullingar, County Westmeath.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

West Limerick Resources Ltd.

Ms Brenda Cahill, Manager, West Limerick Resources Ltd., The Weigh House, Newcastlewest, County Limerick.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

County Sligo Leader Partnership Company

Mr. Michael Quigley, chief executive officer, County Sligo Leader Partnership Company, c/o Teagasc Office, Riverside, Sligo.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Southside Partnership

Mr. Neal Newman, Manager, Southside Partnership, c/o Marie Carroll, EHB, St. Mary's Clinic, Patrick Street, Dún Laoghaire.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Leitrim Partnership

Mr. Peter Tiernan, County Leitrim Partnership, Sligo Training Centre, Ballytivnan, Sligo.

Phone: [phone].

Longford Community Resources Ltd.

Mr. Brian Sheerin, Manager, Longford Community Resources Ltd., Richmond Street, Longford.

Phone: [phone].

KWCD Partnership

Mr. Brendan Boyle, Manager, Kimmage-Walkinstown-Crumlin-Drimnagh Partnership, c/o P.O. Box 5050, 14 St. Agnes Road, Crumlin Village, Dublin 12.

Phone: [phone].

Galway City Partnership

Ms Elaine Harvey, Acting Chairperson, Galway City Partnership, c/o Canavan House, Nuns Island, Galway.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Bluebell-Rialto-Kilmainham-Inchicore

Mr. Barry Cullen, Interim Chairperson, Bluebell-Rialto-Kilmainham-Inchicore Partnership, 4 Herberton Park, Rialto, Dublin 8.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Roscommon County Partnership

Mr. Gerry Finn, Interim Chairperson, Roscommon County Partnership, c/o Roscommon County Enterprise Board, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

Phone: [phone].

Inishowen Partnership Board

Mr. Philip Maree, Chairperson, Inishowen Partnership Board, Ballyloskey Road, Carndonagh, County Donegal.

Phone: [phone].

Monaghan Partnership Board

Mr. Liam Murtagh, Interim Chairperson, Monaghan Partnership Board, NRB Magnet House, Farnham Street, Cavan.

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone].

Allocation of Global Grant Moneys to Partnership Companies whose plans have been appraised by ADM

Partnership	Amount Allocated 1995 to 1999	1995 Total	1996 Total
	£	£	£
Ballymun	2,639,417	498,785	495,000
Dublin Inner City	3,485,000	504,319	710,000
Dundalk	2,546,500	170,000	540,000
Finglas/Cabra	3,300,000	319,710	675,000
Northside	3,867,000	504,944	745,000
Paul	3,040,000	397,547	615,000
Tallaght	3,445,476	500,000	625,000
Waterford	1,036,589	163,589	150,000
South Kerry	2,607,257	293,489	525,000
Comhar Chathair Chorcai	3,598,693	397,120	718,000
Ballyfermot	2,406,000	36,000	590,000
Wexford County	2,604,000	385,129	475,000
Blanchardstown	1,975,240	68,860	490,000
Donegal Central	1,929,240	—	510,000
Drogheda	2,106,605	55,855	535,000
Total	40,587,071	4,295,347	8,398,000

Technical Assistance/Interim Funding to Partnerships which have yet to submit Action Plans — includes 1995 to 1996 to date

Partnership	Allocation
	£
Meitheal Mayo	542,485
Bluebell/Inchicore	15,200
Bray	65,000
Clondalkin	73,337
Cumas	31,000
Galway City	25,000
Kimmage/Walkinstown	45,500
Leitrim	5,000
Meitheal Forb na Gaeltachta	24,000
Offaly/North Kildare	24,000
Southside	54,580
Tralee	61,300
Waterford City	10,000
Wexford Town	55,750
West Limerick	20,000
Total	1,052,152