David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 354: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 14 June 2006 in which he referred this Deputy to [i]www.pobail.ie[/i] the number of town and village renewal projects completed to date; the amount expended on each respective project as outlined in his statement of strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23921/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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While my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has the primary responsibility for the Urban and Village renewal scheme, the position in relation to my own Department is set out in the Appendix.

Appendix

CLÁR Village and Countryside Enhancement Scheme CLÁR supports the joint Village and Countryside Enhancement Scheme operated by the LEADER companies and the local authorities covering small-scale infrastructural projects. Eligible projects include amenity areas and parks, footpaths and walking areas, playgrounds and other recreational facilities, local heritage projects, tidy town projects, public lighting, enhancing streetscapes, church car parks etc. Projects promoted by Sporting Clubs/Organisations, which are outside their mainstream sporting activities and of general benefit to the local community, can also be considered for funding. The funding may also be used for the establishment of farmers' markets or the upgrade of existing farmers' markets in CLÁR areas. The average cost per project is €100,000 funded as follows:

∙33.33% to be funded by CLÁR to a max of €33,333

∙16.66% to be funded by the LEADER Group to a max of €16,666

∙16.66% matching local contribution.

∙33.33% to be funded by the local authority.

As per LEADER Operating Rules, voluntary labour and donations i.e. buildings, land etc., can be included as part of the local matching funding. However, 10% of the local contribution must be in the form of cash. In the event of a project costing more than €100,000, the excess private funding can be sourced from either the local contribution and/or the local authority.

Expenditure to date

This expenditure relates to projects approved in 2005 and early 2006 when the maximum cost per project was €30,000. The same percentage funding ratios applied. The increase to €100,000 per project is effective from May 2006.

Gaeltacht Village Renewal Programme

The Gaeltacht Village Renewal programme stimulates environmental improvements by upgrading village locations to make them more attractive places in which to live and work, encourage social and economic development and facilitate and support the development of tourism and tourism-related activity. This scheme operates on a 50:50 basis with the Local Authorities. 2005 expenditure to date follows. The 2006 payments will commence shortly.