Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the level of priority that is attached to infrastructure under the rural development initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37108/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The main infrastructural programme operated by my Department is the CLÁR Programme. It is a targeted investment programme for rural areas and now covers parts of 22 counties and all of Co. Leitrim. The Programme supports a wide variety of local and community infrastructural developments such as village/housing/schools enhancement, electricity conversion, roads, water supply, sewerage disposal, health, coastal, sports and community projects. I believe that the Programme is a very important element of the various rural development initiatives operated by my Department and it is having a major impact on the lives of people living in the CLÁR areas. The Programme ensures that small community and rural infrastructural projects are being supported — many of which might otherwise not be funded. Funding of €22.95m is available for the Programme in 2006.