Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2013
488. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way the moneys outlined under the following EU Funds were allocated and spent, €3.5 million Euro for the implementation of Natura 2000 through the ERDF Structural Funds and €11.8 million under the Life and Nature and Biodiversity Fund part of which also relates to projects in Natura 2000 sites [4141/13]
View answerUnder the Priority Axis 2 (Environment and Risk Prevention) of the Border Midlands West Regional Operational Programme 2007-2013, there was provision of ERDF Structural Funds for a natural and cultural heritage intervention. This funding supported the construction of visitor centres for Ballycroy National Park in Co. Mayo and at the Clara Bog Nature Reserve in Co. Offaly. In regard to the Life, Nature and Biodiversity Fund, I assume the Deputy is referring to the current funding cycle (2007-13) known as LIFE+. The allocation of funding for projects under the LIFE programme is a matter for the European Commission and I am advised that applications from Ireland are co-ordinated by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
