Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

This is a vital ingredient in restoring community life. In many areas there are buildings of historical value as well as of community value. These need grant assistance to create community activities in the area. In my area we are trying to organise a number of artists to use an old school building as a studio. There is the Tanyard in Ballitore, for which we are seeking funding. How many applications were received in 2008 and what funding is being provided? Is there a waiting list and is there any instance in which the grant system can be restored for 2009?

The grant does a number of things. It helps the community and, more importantly as of now, creates employment in many cases because buildings must be restored. That has a spin-off with regard to the local hardware store and so on. It is very important that we look at this as there are too many factors that cut off the local builder. The same thing is happening with the grant system relating to senior citizens. We are acting right across the country to the detriment of employment; we are not providing funding, we are cutting back instead. This is another instance of it. Will we see any funding provided to allow the scheme to continue?

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