Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 6

Written Answers. - National Development Plan.

Brendan Daly

Question:

181 Mr. Daly asked the Minister for Finance the submissions, if any, made by Clare County Council or the Mid-West Regional Development Organisation in relation to the national development plan seeking funding for projects from the Regional Development Fund, the Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund or any other EU funding; and the progress in advancing the projects concerned. [26704/99]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

The Mid-West Regional Authority made a submission to me in June 1998 on its investment priorities for the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, in response to an invitation from me to all regional authorities. Clare County Council was among the many contributors to the Mid-West Regional Authority's submission. The submission contained an analysis of the mid west region's development needs, objectives and a strategy for development of the region, including various projects which they wished to see funded under the plan.

The national development plan is a seven year, £40.6 billion strategic investment plan for sustainable national and regional economic and social development. One of the key objectives of the plan is the promotion of balanced regional development and, to this end, the plan contains specific investments and an integrated strategy for the development of the border, midland and western region and the southern and eastern region. The plan does not provide for investments on a county basis nor would it be appropriate for it to do so.

The plan will be implemented through three inter-regional operational programmes, and two regional operational programmes. Details of the measures and projects to be funded will emerge in the course of the development and implementation of the operational programmes.