Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
609. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of the €28 million paid to local authorities under the regional and rural subheads in 2016 that has been spent by the local authorities and accounts sent to her Department accounting for this expenditure to date in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35418/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2016, just over €28 million was allocated to Local Authorities to fund projects approved under my Department's Rural Development schemes.
My officials have been engaging with the Local Authorities on an on-going basis to monitor expenditure across these schemes. Data provided to my officials by the Local Authorities indicates that approximately €9.8 million was spent on these schemes up to 31st May 2017.
My officials are continuing to impress on all Local Authorities the need to have their projects completed as soon as possible and they will continue to actively monitor expenditure on the schemes. My Department is also engaging closely with Local Authorities to ensure that all expenditure is in line with the Public Spending Code and that the funding is spent promptly and in accordance with project proposals.
Responsibility for the implementation of the Rural Development schemes will be transferring shortly to the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, T.D.
