Written Answers. - Departmental Programmes.
Joe Sherlock
Question:
93
Mr. Sherlock
asked the
Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs
the progress made to date in regard to the implementation of the CLÁR programme; the number of areas in respect of which plans have been submitted to his Department; the total projected budgets for these plans; when work on the implementation of the plans is likely to get under way; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24071/03]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
390
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs
the extent to which the CLÁR programme has been expanded or restricted in 2003; the implications arising from same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24271/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 390 together.
I launched the CLÁR programme, Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais, for disadvantaged rural areas on 5 October 2001. CLÁR funds act as a lever to elicit funds from other sources. The 2003 allocation of €9.517 million is continuing this leverage and delivering an effective and comprehensive work programme.
The areas selected are those which have suf fered the greatest depopulation since 1926, with the exception of the Cooley Peninsula, which was included based on the serious difficulties caused for that area by foot and mouth disease.
Arising from the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government, on 17 January last I announced the extension of the CLÁR areas to include an additional 189 DEDs, bringing the total to 890 in 18 counties. The total population in the extended CLÁR areas has increased from 284,000 to 362,000.
CLÁR funds, or co-funds, with other Departments, State agencies and local authorities, investment in selected priority developments. These measures support physical, community and social infrastructure across a variety of measures such as electricity conversion, roads, water and sewerage, village enhancement, health, broadband and sports projects. The measures introduced under the programme reflect the priorities identified by the communities in the selected areas whom I consulted at the outset. However, no formal plan was developed for each CLÁR area as it was felt that such an approach would lead to delays and frustrations and dissipate funds on planning rather than action. Instead, as far as is practicable, the selection of individual projects is carried out at local level such as county council, Leader group or local community level. The measures were agreed with the lead Departments or State agencies, as appropriate. Other measures may be introduced, depending on needs identified.
I am arranging to send a list of all measures, approvals and related expenditure to Deputies Sherlock and Durkan.
Questions Nos. 94 and 95 answered with Question No. 80.
