Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2018
576. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount each local authority has returned to his Department in January 2018 as a result of allocations made in 2017 for various schemes being unspent during the year of allocation; if the unspent sums are retained within his Department for redistribution in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3485/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not to date received any funding back from Local Authorities as a result of allocations made in 2017. My Department will revert to the Deputy if any returns are made by the month end.
It is important to note that apart from the Local Improvement Scheme , the 2017 rural development schemes are expected to operate over a 12-15 month period. Therefore, it was always anticipated that a portion of the funds allocated would be drawn-down in 2018, but only when the draw-down conditions are met, including the full completion of works which is required for final payments to be issued.
In addition the Deputy should be aware that I have secured a carryover of €7.7 million of 2017 capital funding for allocation in 2018.
