Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2011
374 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when approval will be given to Galway County Council to allow the Cluid Voluntary Housing Project in Letterfrack, County Galway, to lodge a planning application; when funding will be approved for this project; and if he will make a detailed statement on the current state of play of this project. [31281/11]
View answerMy Department's involvement with voluntary and co-operative housing schemes relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The detailed administration of the schemes, and the certification that projects comply with the relevant terms and conditions, are the responsibility of the local authority.
The proposal by Cluid Housing Association for 25 units of accommodation to be provided under my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) was approved for inclusion in the voluntary housing work programme in February, 2010. Following evaluation of a preliminary proposal, my Department requested Galway County Council to submit certain technical information and a preliminary cost plan for the project. This was received in July 2011. Following a review of the information, my Department recently requested additional detailed specifications, appropriate drawings and a cost plan for the scheme. On receipt of this information, my Department will make a decision with regard to advancing the project through the statutory planning and public procurement stages. A decision on funding will be made following the completion of the procurement stage.
375 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding St. Joseph’s Foundation, Charleville, County Cork, regarding a proposal for development of day and residential service for adults and children with autism-Asperger syndrome; if he is giving his full support to this project in view of the fact that the foundation has now submitted a full planning application following a number of pre-planning meetings with Limerick County Council; and if will he ensure support for this project. [31292/11]
View answerMy Department's involvement with voluntary and co-operative housing schemes relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The detailed administration of the schemes, the processing of applications and the certification that projects comply with the terms and conditions of the funding schemes, are the responsibility of the local authority.
Local authorities are responsible for the assessment and appraisal of all new voluntary sector projects and ensuring that they are advanced through the planning, procurement and implementation phases in accordance with the requirements of the Capital Works Management Framework for publicly funded capital projects.
The Approved Housing Body is liaising with Limerick County Council with a view to making an application for funding under any new call for proposals for CAS projects. It is my intention to consider issuing such a call following the completion of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure process.
