Vol. 575 No. 5
180 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has had discussions with An Taisce arising from his previously expressed views on rural development, in particular on housing in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28778/03]
I did not have a formal discussion or meeting with An Taisce. On a few occasions I met officers of An Taisce in a social context and there have been informal exchanges. I have availed of these opportunities to reiterate my views on rural housing and they are already well known to Members of this House.
181 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which his Department has been able to assist urban and rural community development groups in County Kildare in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28784/03]
My Department supports local self-help and community development initiatives targeted at disadvantaged communities in rural and urban areas nationwide. This is done in recognition of the role voluntary groups have in facilitating local communities address their problems. This support is made available through a range of grant schemes such as the scheme of grants for locally based community and voluntary organisations. The type of support offered under the scheme includes equipment and refurbishment of premises grants and an education, training and research grant.
This year a total of 50 applications from the Kildare area were received under the scheme. At present my Department is finalising the assessment of the applications. I anticipate that I will be able to communicate decisions on them in the next few weeks.
My Department offers long-term support through the community development support programmes. It currently funds two projects in County Kildare under these programmes, Athy CDP and The Bridge CDP. Funding to Athy CDP is set at €97,400 for 2003. The Bridge CDP was offered, and accepted, an initial contract effective from September, with core funding set at €60,000 per annum. Start-up grant of €27,300 was also allocated to the project.
My Department has contracted, with a number of community development regional support agencies, to provide advice and support to existing projects and undertake initial pre-programme work in particular areas. Pobal Support Agency is based in Naas, County Kildare, and it provides support in Counties Kildare and Wicklow. The agency's funding for 2003 is set at €240,000.
