Vol. 525 No. 3
255 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the level of funding in 1999 and 2000 for environmental non governmental organisations; and the proposals he has to increase funding in this area or for any new initiatives to provide funding for this sector. [24894/00]
My Department provides funding for environmental non-governmental organisations and community groups for national and local environmental awareness raising projects mainly through the environmental partnership fund. Grants totalling £254,000 have been approved under the scheme in 2000, up from £200,000 in 1999. These amounts do not include the additional funding committed by local authorities to the approved projects as part of the partnership arrangements under the scheme. In addition, my Department and ENFO from time to time provide some smaller amounts of funding or other forms of assistance, for example, advertising, to NGOs for awareness activities, including publications, exhibitions and attendance at international conferences.
My Department also contributes approx. £170,000 per annum as co-funding to An Taisce in respect of the running costs of the national spring clean campaign and the blue flag awards scheme for beaches and marinas.
I have, in addition, advised NGOs that I am prepared to consider providing core funding towards their administrative expenses and I am awaiting a formal submission on behalf of NGOs on this issue.
