Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 833: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if local authorities can make applications to his Department for funding for skate board facilities; if not, his plans to re-introduce such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25813/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In May 2005, I introduced a new initiative for the provision of skateboard facilities by local authorities. Each City and County Council was invited to submit expressions of interest for grant assistance towards the provision of a skateboard park in its area. Applications were assessed in my Department in conjunction with the National Children's Office and some 21 projects in 21 different local authority areas were recommended for grant aid. A sum of €1 million had initially been earmarked for the scheme in 2005 but, in light of the number and quality of submissions received, I approved all 21 projects in November 2005 and increased the funding allocation to over €2 million which is expected to be spent over a two year period.

The position regarding the provision of the 21 approved projects is being monitored by my Department and the question of inviting further proposals from local authorities will be kept under review in the light of progress with the 2005 scheme.