Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 March 2004
117 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason no further expansion of the community development support programme will take place after the completion of the current programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7711/04]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware of the commitment under Partnership 2000 to identify 30 priority areas for inclusion in the community development programme, thereby continuing the development of a nationwide network of community development projects. Fifteen such priority areas were funded in 2003 and it is anticipated that the remaining 15 areas not yet in receipt of core funding will be included in the community development programme before the end of 2004.
Arising from the review process initiated by my Department to improve service delivery at local level, the Government has established a requirement for Departments and public bodies to look at existing local or community development bodies and-or local authorities for delivery of any further initiatives in this area. In that context, the Government has decided that there will be no further expansion of the community development programme after the completion of the current programme.
