My Department's funding contract with rural action project expired at the end of December 2003. However, my Department continued to provide funding to the project on an interim basis until a decision was made in relation to any further funding contract. Due to ongoing difficulties within the project, my Department has advised the project that it is not in a position to renew its contract and that funding to the project will cease with effect from 30 September 2004. At this present time, officials from my Department are looking at ways in which all the assets and funding can be more appropriately directed towards community development in the west Clare area.