Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 January 2018
321. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason for the €22 million in capital underspend in his Department as outlined in the fiscal monitor for December 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2498/18]
View answerThe net capital underspend of €22m in respect of my Department in 2017 arose due to a combination of factors:- underspends on a number of capital programmes (including the Town and Village Regeneration Scheme and the LEADER Programme) and also due to greater than anticipated receipts (Appropriations in Aid) from the European Union following the closure of the earlier LEADER 2007-2013 programme.
Expenditure on the Town and Village Regeneration scheme was lower than anticipated in 2017. Projects totalling some €21m were announced in October last year and accordingly accelerated drawdown is anticipated this year under the scheme.
In the case of LEADER, and in line with LEADER programmes in other EU Member States, there has been a lead-in period last year in ramping up and implementing the 2014-2020 programme. However, the level of LEADER activity in Ireland has increased greatly.
My Department will continue to work with key stakeholders including local authorities, community and voluntary groups, and key agencies to support job creation, attract tourism investment and contribute to long term economic development in rural Ireland.
€7.7m in unspent 2017 capital funding will be carried forward to supplement gross capital provision of €87.5m in 2018. My Department will ensure that the full use is obtained from the total capital allocation of €95.2m this year and that value for money is delivered.
