Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the figures mentioned. There is a requirement to look at the balance of funding now, arising from the big increase in the number of applications that have come in during the past few months. Officials have wisely decided to have a look at those applications to see what level of funding will be required to meet them if they are successful and to see what funds will remain for the rest of the year. We are anxious to spend as much of the money as we possibly can between now and the end of the year. I expect that within the next ten days - by the end of next week - we will be in a better position to see the precise level of funding available for community projects between now and the end of the year.

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