Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I hope to complete the current round of projects and that is what we are doing. Local authorities have a major problem raising the matching funds now. The Department is reviewing the cost of the entire programme. Local authorities are looking more at refurbishment and they have said that perhaps a scheme could be introduced in the context of energy costs. The problem is local authorities do not have the matching funds and we are reviewing the programme. I hope with my officials to make an announcement shortly on whether it will be reopened.

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