Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 221: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the level of funding available under the community supports grants; the breakdown of the allocation of such funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7799/07]

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 222: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications for the recent round of community support grants; the percentage of successful applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7800/07]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 222 together.

The Programme of Grants for Locally-Based Community and Voluntary Organisations was launched in August 2006 and to date approximately 1,300 applications have been received. While a closing date of 25th September applied to the Scheme of Equipment and the Scheme of Training, Education and Research, no closing date applies to the Scheme of Refurbishment and applications continue to be received by my Department.

I announced the first tranche of funding of almost €400,000 under this Programme last December, covering 29 projects. Assessments are now nearing completion on the remainder of the approximately 1,300 applications received and I expect to be in a position to make further funding announcements in the near future. When the assessments have been completed comprehensive statistics will be available.

Maximum funding under this Programme is €40,000 for the Scheme of Refurbishment, with €10,000 each for the Schemes of Equipment and Training, Education and Research. My Department has allocated €3m to this Programme for 2007.