Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the LIS, the Deputy will be interested to note that €10.8 million was allocated in April of 2018 and up to October, €7.8 million had been drawn down, which is acceptable. I am happy with that and many of the local roads projects will be completed before the end of the year.

Deputy Ó Cuív asked why there is an underspend on the current side. I can give him a guarantee that my money will be spent in full by the end of the year. In terms of current spending, we are awaiting some bills that have yet to come in. I have no doubt, however, that both my capital and current budgets will be spent. As I have said at committee, I intend to have my money spent before the end of the year. That is why I have reallocated money to the local improvement scheme, men's sheds and the Tidy Towns competition. I have also reallocated money to the community enhancement programme. All of the aforementioned schemes are delighted to be getting additional funding. There is a underspend in LEADER and Deputy Ó Cuív has tabled a number of questions in that regard to which I will respond later. I can give a guarantee in the House today that my money, both current and capital, will be spent by the end of the year.

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