Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The total capital budget allocation for 2016 and 2017 was increased during each programme's run-in response to the extraordinary levels of demand from providers. Those increases were achieved through moving funds that arose out of savings and underspends elsewhere in my Department. For 2017, the total allocation ended up being €12.4 million. While the current capital allocation for 2018 of €6.86 million is not as high as the final figure for this year, it represents a significant increase on 2017's original baseline allocation of €5 million.

On the question of when funding is announced, I have tried to learn from the past and am absolutely determined to ensure applications are received as soon as possible so that plans can be made, moneys spent and improvements achieved. On the amounts drawn down in 2017, I will get that information for the Deputy.

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