Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 434: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if consideration has been given to ensuring that adequate funding is available to cover the running costs of a project (details supplied) in Dublin 10; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16698/07]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The centre referred to by the Deputy is in receipt of funding from a number of agencies, including the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF) and the Emerging Needs Fund, both of which operate under my Department. Apart from these two Funds, the Health Service Executive, FÁS and Dublin City Council also provide finances for the running costs and staffing of the centre. It is currently nearing completion and I understand that it is expected to open in the autumn.

Under the YPFSF, the centre received capital funding of €963,000 towards the development of the centre and an initial annual allocation of €316,000 for the employment of a number of staff (including a centre manager, a senior youth worker and two youth workers) and a contribution towards the running costs associated with the Fund's target group (i.e. 10 to 21 year olds who are at risk of drug misuse).

In addition, further funding of just under €100,000 p.a. was recently approved under the Fund which brings the overall annual allocation to approximately €415,000 (€80,000 for running costs with the remainder covering staff costs). My Department has also provided a further €65,000 through Ballyfermot Local Drugs Task Force under the Emerging Needs Fund for the employment of a dedicated Youth Outreach Worker to work with at risk/recreational drug using young people. I am confident, therefore, that the substantial capital and current funding allocated by my Department will enable the project to cater well for the target group of the YPFSF.

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 435: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department will take steps via Waterways Ireland to provide a significant element of the funding to Westmeath County Council to enable the replacement of the Green Bridge, Mullingar, which is an essential part of the access to Mullingar town, and which has been deemed by Waterways Ireland to be unsafe for any vehicle with a weight in excess of three tonnes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16712/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No 184 of 22 Márta 2007. As the Deputy is aware, Waterways Ireland has informed me that the replacement of the bridge in question is a matter for Westmeath County Council and not for the Body. While Waterways Ireland will assist the County Council in any way possible, in relation to site access, for example, the provision of funding for works to bridges to meet modern road loading standards is not within the remit of the Body.

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 436: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has approved funding in respect of an employment development information project (details supplied) in County Longford; if he will take steps to ensure that same is now considered favourable for such funding as it is providing a very essential service for the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16713/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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In 2006 the Centre received funding of approximately €59,000 under the Local Development Social Inclusion and the LEADER+ programmes. It is the intention that funding under these programmes will continue and be increased during 2007. In addition the Centre received €5,000 in 2006 to assist it with development of a business plan to qualify for funding under the Community Services Programme. This business plan is currently being appraised and I expect the group will be notified of the outcome shortly.

Separately the Centre has applied for funding under the Dormant Accounts Flagship Programme. Processing of a number of applications under this programme, including the centre's application is ongoing.