Vol. 534 No. 4
157 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his Department will make a contribution towards alleviation of hardship caused by foot and mouth restrictions by providing additional funding to local authorities who have waived commercial rates to businesses who have serious cash flow problems as a result of these restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10924/01]
The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. I am not aware that local authorities have waived rates directly as a result of foot and mouth restrictions. In 2001, I have allocated £437 million in general purpose grants to local authorities through the local government fund. This represents an increase of 18% over the 2000 allocation from the fund. There are no additional funds at my disposal at this time to provide further grants to local authorities.
158 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will state for each of the years 1998 to 2001, the allocations to Galway County Council for the programmes of housing and the number of houses completed; sewerage schemes; public water schemes and grant assistance to private group water schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10925/01]
I am arranging to have information on funding for local authorities in respect of different programmes administered by my Department at central level compiled and forwarded to the Oireachtas Library. I will forward a copy to the Deputy when this is available. Compilation of information in relation to the many capital projects in local authorities would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work.
