Vol. 483 No. 3
65 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to redress the low funding of the four Dublin local authorities and to enhance the national capital during his administration. [17604/97]
I am at present formulating a comprehensive package of measures relating to the funding of local authorities. Legislation giving effect to these measures will be brought before this House as soon as possible, and will primarily enable the establishment of a local government fund.
The fund will enable significant resources to flow to local authorities and will be ringfenced through legislation for local government use. As a result all local authorities, including the four Dublin authorities, will benefit from this improved funding system.
The 1998 abridged Estimates for my Department provides a substantial increase in the level of investment in infrastructure generally next year, and will permit progress on social housing, roads and water services schemes to be accelerated. Significant projects in the Dublin city area include: the Ballymun redevelopment initiative; increased investment in traffic management measures; environmental improvements in the north inner city; and improvement of water conservation and sewerage services generally. Other initiatives, such as redevelopment of the docklands area, are also planned. All these projects will improve the fabric of city life.
