Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the €6 million in extra funding for sports, cultural and community facilities announced recently by him will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16619/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I recently launched the new €6 million Social and Community Facilities Capital Scheme. This scheme, which will fund targeted capital developments, carried out through local authorities, is designed to enhance communities, address disadvantage and improve social cohesion at a local level.

The new scheme will be in addition to existing grants and supports allocated to local authorities to support community development and tackle social exclusion. Projects by local authorities, or from the community in partnership with a local authority, are eligible under this scheme and new initiatives are particularly welcome.

Local authorities have been invited to submit proposals to my Department by 19 May 2006. All projects will be appraised against assessment criteria which are set out in guidelines issued to local authorities. It is envisaged that allocations will be made to successful projects by the middle of this year.