I propose to take Questions Nos. 337 and 338 together.
The Abridged Estimates 2019, published as part of the Budget 2019 Expenditure Report, sets out a total gross capital allocation of €141 million in respect of the Department of Rural and Community Development. This compare to a 2018 capital allocation of €87.5 million.
It is my intention to ensure that the existing programmes delivered by my Department continue in 2019. These include the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, CLÁR, the Local Improvement Scheme, the LEADER Programme and Libraries Development. Given the increased allocation I also intend to allocate €55 million for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Applications under this fund are currently being evaluated and I hope to make an announcement regarding successful applications in November.
The Revised Estimates Volume 2019 will set out the breakdown of individual capital schemes to subhead level; the €125.882 million allocation under rural development and regional affairs and the €15.118 million allocation under community development. The Revised Estimates will be published in early December by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.