Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006
486 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the proposed spending envelopes approved and set out by his Department for the foreseeable future; the broad objectives to be achieved by spending of such financial envelopes; the timescale set out for achievement of targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25971/06]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Capital Envelope Framework provides for the allocation of capital funding across Departments under the Public Capital Programme on a 5-year basis, subject to annual review. At present, my Department's envelope for the period 2006-2010 is as follows:
|
Year |
€m |
|
2006 |
142.650 |
|
2007 |
129 |
|
2008 |
129 |
|
2009 |
130 |
|
2010 |
130 |
|
Total: |
661.650 |
The allocations for 2007 onwards will be reviewed further in the context of the development of the Public Capital Programme 2007-2011 and the National Development Plan 2007-2013.
The strategic priorities of my Department are set out in its Strategy Statement 2005-07, which is available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie. The Strategy Statement also includes a range of performance indicators for the key strategic objectives, including timescales where appropriate. For the convenience of the Deputy, I have provided in Appendix I a summary of the broad objectives of the principal capital expenditure programmes administered by my Department.
The allocation of funds across these programmes for 2006 is set out in the Revised Estimates Volume 2006, while the individual allocations for 2007 and future years will decided in the context of the relevant Estimates process, taking into account the evolution of policy objectives and the impact on programmes of factors such as emerging demands, planning issues, etc. My officials will be happy to provide any further information required by the Deputy in relation to any of the individual programmes described in the appendix.
Appendix I: Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs — summary of objectives of principal capital programmes
Tithe Gaeltachta
Funding is provided under this programme to provide grants to Irish-speaking residents to assist in the expansion and improvement of the housing stock in Gaeltacht areas.
Scéimeanna Feabhsúcháin sa Ghaletacht
Capital grants are made available for the provision, improvement or repair of roads, marine works and other facilities such as community centres, playing pitches and group water schemes in the Gaeltacht.
Oileáin
Assistance is provided to support the provision of a developed infrastructure in order to ensure the sustainability of island communities, through a combination of direct capital investment and supporting capital investment by other Departments and agencies.
Údarás na Gaeltachta
Capital funding is provided to enable Údarás na Gaeltachta to develop the Gaeltacht economy so as to facilitate the preservation and extension of the use of the Irish language within the Gaeltacht.
Programme for Peace and Reconciliation and INTERREG
To meet relevant commitments under the Programme for Peace and Reconciliation and the INTERREG Initiative.
Drugs/Young Peoples Facilities & Services Fund
Under the National Drugs Strategy, capital funding is provided through the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund and the Premises Initiative for the development of recreational facilities to attract "at risk" young people away from the potential dangers of substance misuse; and the provision in Drugs Task Force areas of community-based facilities for counselling, treatment and rehabilitation of drugs users.
RAPID
Funding is made available to support small-scale localised actions through co-funding arrangements with Departments/local agencies, in the context of the RAPID Programme for disadvantaged urban areas.
Western Investment Fund (WIF)
Operated by the Western Development Commission the WIF provides seed and venture capital or loans to projects.
LEADER and National Rural Development Programme
LEADER+ seeks to encourage the emergence and testing of new approaches to integrated and sustainable development in rural communities, using a bottom-up approach. The Area Based Rural Development Initiative ensures the availability of funding in those areas that are not covered by the LEADER+ Programme.
Rural Social Scheme
The capital allocation to the Rural Social Scheme is intended to enhance the effectiveness of the scheme by facilitating investment in equipment and materials.
CLÁR
Funding and/or co-funding is provided to Departments, local authorities and other agencies to support the provision and improvement of facilities to address rural disadvantage across a range of measures.
Waterways Ireland
Expenditure under this programme supports investment in the inland navigable waterways system.
