Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 9: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a local authority has sought funding for the provision of initiating community garden allotment schemes within its authority; his views on such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5574/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed that this is a matter for local authorities in accordance with their responsibilities under section 67 of the Local Government Act 2001. I have no plans to initiate any scheme or programme in this regard. However, as always, where possible, I am prepared to consider the use of my Department's programmes and schemes to provide appropriate support to initiatives taken by lead Departments or agencies to support communities.

At present, projects of this type identified locally within RAPID areas by the area implementation team can qualify for co-funding under the housing estate enhancement leverage scheme operated by my Department, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and the local authorities.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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This is one that got through the net because I received word from the Ceann Comhairle that it had been refused, so it is great to see it on the clár. I greatly appreciate the Minister's reply, especially with regard to RAPID areas because this question relates to a group within a RAPID area. A local support group is seeking to develop a site as a garden for the children of the members who visited the House in the last fortnight. They are willing to do this. Is the Minister saying that if we obtain permission from the local authority, funding will be available through the RAPID programme?

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I can be specific here. Athy was allocated funding for a community garden under the 2007-08 housing estate enhancement scheme, but no funding has yet been drawn down. The new physical environment improvement scheme, under the physical environment strategic theme, will include provision for community gardens. The draft terms provide for that.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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I will follow it up.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I do not want to be pernickety but we do not have a scheme.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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I understand that.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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We do have the funding, however, and under the leverage schemes we are willing to co-fund the project. Theoretically it is the local authority which deals with such projects, but I fully support the scheme.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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I will get more information. I am delighted this question got through the net.

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Good news.