Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

When I answered the question, I stated that I do not have any funding for 2009 at the moment. Obviously, I am anxious to facilitate investment in as many parts of the country as I can, particularly in sports facilities, but I also see the economic benefit for small areas where better value for money may currently be achieved.

The number of approved projects is substantial, some 635 last year and a further number of projects that have not yet drawn down their funding. They are awaiting their final invoices so that they may draw down funding. I will wait to determine how the situation evolves. If I have given the impression that many of the projects are in serious difficulty, I want to correct myself. However, it is more difficult to put localised funding together than in previous years. I do not want to place the projects under extra stress to deliver in their areas.

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