Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Funding begins on 1 April with the roll-out of SICAP. I have met with the public representatives concerned, but when one is doing a tendering process it is not possible to meet directly with those who will be involved in the process. We have been through these situations before and I know the hiatus that occurs. I also know all about the uncertainty, particularly when one is dealing with communities some of whose representatives may not have great expertise in the tendering process. I understand the concern it causes. I have met with officials almost daily to take on board the concerns about these projects. The Dublin area is particularly complex but the Deputy can be assured that the Department and the Ministers are there to examine issues that might arise outside the tendering process. We have provided funding for particular projects of special concern, so we are certainly taking those concerns on board.

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