Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if consideration has been given to extending and providing funding for the skate-board parks in communities in view of the benefit such parks play; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32610/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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A new initiative for the provision of skateboard facilities by local authorities was introduced in 2005. 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.

Thirty-seven proposals from 25 local authorities were received by the deadline. All applications were assessed by 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, all 21 projects were approved in November 2005 and resulted in an increased funding allocation of over €2 million.

Progress with the completion of the facilities is a matter for individual local authorities and timescales vary taking account, for example planning and procurement issues locally.

Twelve local authorities have completed their projects to date. On the basis of information received from local authorities, it is anticipated that the remaining skateparks will be completed early in 2008.

The position is being monitored by my Department. The question of inviting further proposals from local authorities can be reviewed at a later stage in the light of experience with the scheme.