Vol. 568 No. 1
707 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the criteria for the allocation of the ?55 million Environment Fund for 2003 to local authorities, as announced on 24 April 2003; and the reasons for exclusion of Donegal County Council from any allocation. [15336/03]
In March 2002, local authorities were invited to submit applications for funding under the waste infrastructure capital grants scheme.
Applications were assessed by my Department having regard to the likely contribution of the project to national recycling targets i.e. how the project would assist in increasing diversion from landfill and increase recycling-recovery activities, compatibility with waste management plans, project viability, cost effectiveness and the projected commissioning date of the facility.
Donegal County Council submitted six applications for assistance under this scheme in respect of five civic amenity centres and a series of in-vessel composting units. Following an examination of the applications, my Department sought further information from the local authority in relation to the proposals, the majority of which did not appear to have been advanced to a sufficiently developed stage to qualify for assistance. On receipt of outstanding elements of the information sought, Donegal County Councils applications will be considered further. I intend to announce further details of allocations later this year.
