Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 159: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason the CLÁR programme funding for local improvement scheme roads 2007 in a county (details supplied) has been capped at a maximum of €500,000 in comparison to the allocation for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34743/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The funding available to Local Authorities from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (D/EHLG) for Local Improvement Scheme (L.I.S.) roads has increased significantly over the past number of years (from approximately €11m in 2002 to €30m in 2007). Funding for L.I.S. roads in Mayo increased from €1.4m in 2005, €3.2m in 2006 to just over €4m in 2007.

Consequently, this year my Department decided to place a greater emphasis on funding other measures such as water and sewerage schemes under the CLÁR Programme. In this context, it should be noted that grant approvals for Mayo County Council in 2002 for water and sewerage schemes was €450,000. Approvals in 2007 are in excess of €2.3m. At the end of November, I did, however, announce €500,000 funding for works to be carried out on 39 L.I.S. roads in CLÁR areas in County Mayo.

Finally, it should be noted that the total funding made available between my Department and the D/EHLG for L.I.S. roads nationally in 2007 has increased by almost 6% from that available in 2006.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 160: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding which is made available through his Department or agencies to support local community festivals which support Irish culture and language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34746/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that my Department provides funding on a limited once-off basis to support the type of local community festivals, which the Deputy refers to, including for example the Pan Celtic Festival and Kilkenny Celtic Festival.

A number of agencies that come within the ambit of my Department also provide funding for Community festivals to support Irish culture and language. Foras na Gaeilge and Údarás na Gaeltachta provide sponsorship for a range of activities to promote the Irish language, including community-based festivals and other cultural events. I might also mention that the Ulster Scots Agency provides support for community-based activities to promote Ulster Scots heritage, culture and language, in both the North and South. Additional details of these agencies and their schemes are available on their respective websites www.gaeilge.ie, www.udaras.ie www.ulsterscotsagency.com.