Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2382. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the budget allocated to the Western Development Commission for 2016, 2017 and 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33892/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2383. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of employees in the Western Development Commission in June 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33893/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2384. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of money available through the Western Development Commission for the WIF fund 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33894/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2382 to 2384, inclusive, together.
The Western Development Commission (WDC) was established on a statutory footing in 1999 under the Western Development Commission Act, 1998. The main aim of the Commission is to promote, foster and encourage economic and social development in the Western Region, covering counties Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway and Clare.
The Exchequer allocations for the Western Development Commission for each of the three years from 2016 to 2018 inclusive are detailed on Table 1. The figures reflect the published Revised Estimates Volume for the years in question.
While €1 million in capital funding was ring-fenced for the WDC for 2016 and 2017 only, this funding was not drawn down. The classification of this money as Capital provision presented limitations for the WDC in the context of its legislative remit. Sanction was sought to have the funding re-classified as Current expenditure, but it was not possible to make a re-adjustment. There is no Capital allocation to the WDC for 2018.
In June 2018 there were 18 staff members employed in the WDC (which is a whole time equivalence of 16.8).
The Western Development Commission operates the Western Investment Fund (WIF) which contributes to the development of the region by investing through equity or loans in business start-up, growth-oriented small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and in community-based measures to encourage enterprise development.
The WIF was established as an Evergreen Fund on a revolving basis so all investments are repayable and all receipts are reinvested back into Western enterprises. At the start of 2018 the WDC Investment Fund had €21.4m available for reinvestment in SMEs, micro and community and social enterprises in the Western Region.
Table 1 – REV allocations 2016-2018, Western Development Commission
|
Year |
Current €000 |
Capital €000 |
Total €000 |
|
2016 |
1,488 |
1,000* |
2,488 |
|
2017 |
1,495 |
1,000* |
2,495 |
|
2018 |
1,516 |
- |
1,516 |
*Capital funding not drawn down in 2016 or 2017.
