John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Seeing as it is end of the first week in December, I expect that people in Crossbarry probably realise at this stage that the start of 2019 is the earliest date that this report can be completed. The Government is committed to resolving such issues, not only in Crossbarry but throughout the country.

I reassure Deputy Moynihan that, following the imminent publication of the review, a multi-annual funding programme will be initiated to look at the needs of such housing estates and villages and towns throughout the country. Under the 2016 pilot scheme, the Department established a bids evaluation panel to assist in the evaluation of bids from local authorities and I expect that, under the forthcoming multi-annual funding programme, a similar approach will be implemented for the proposed new programme. In such case, it will be the panel that will make recommendations to the Department on the suitability of projects for funding based on the objective criteria ensuring independence, openness and transparency. The initial selection of the individual projects for funding will be a matter for the relevant local authority, in this case, Cork County Council. The Department will then consider the recommendations of the panel and, based on these, proposed projects for funding will be approved by the Minister.

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