Question:
743 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has received an application for funding from a local authority (details supplied) for certain works. [1599/02]
Written Answers. - Local Authority Funding.
My Department has received proposals from a number of bodies, including the local authority concerned, to seek assistance from the European Economic Area Financial Instrument for certain projects. The objective of the instrument, which is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, is to contribute to reducing social and economic disparities in Europe. Under the instrument, up to 5.525 million may be available to Ireland during the period 1999 to 2003 for projects related to the environment, including urban renewal, the reduction of urban pollution, cultural heritage, transport and education and training, including academic research. In the case of projects otherwise financed from central or local government, the contribution from the instrument can be up to 85% of the project cost. Responsibility for the approval of assistance rests with the Financial Instrument Committee, which is representative of the funding states and based in Brussels.
Following discussions with the Department of Finance, which is responsible for the selection of projects to be put forward for assistance, my Department has recently been in contact with the bodies that put forward the proposals, including the local authority concerned, with a view to finalising an application to the Financial Instrument Committee as soon as possible.