The provisional expenditure figure for this scheme in 2006 was €4.8 m. (This compared with an estimate of €3 m.) The Programme of Grants for Locally-Based Community & Voluntary Organisations was re-advertised in August last. A closing date of 25 September 2006 applied for applications under the Scheme of Equipment Grants and the Scheme of Training, Education and Research Grants. No closing date applied to the third Scheme under this Programme, the Scheme of Refurbishment Grants.
I announced the first tranche of funding of almost €400,000 under this Programme last December, covering 29 projects. Assessments are now nearing completion on the remainder of the approximately 1,300 applications received and I expect to be in a position to make further funding announcements in the near future. Applications under the Scheme of Refurbishment Grants continue to be accepted by my Department.