Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 321: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the €3 million contribution from the social housing investment programme towards the recreational facilities as proposed for a park (details supplied) in County Sligo, has not been released by his Department despite the fact that a written guarantee was issued by his Department to Sligo Borough Council on 16 May 2007 stating that the allocation, if required, would be available in 2008; when the moneys will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32196/09]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with the objectives set out in the Policy Framework for the Regeneration of Local Authority Estates, my Department advised Sligo Borough Council in 2007 that their allocation would be increased by €3m in 2008 to provide for the development of recreational facilities at Cleveragh. This was contingent on the projects in question fitting in with framework objectives and the overall Master Plan for the regeneration of the Cranmore area.

The recent decision by Sligo Borough Council not to include any specific objective for a critical new access link to the east of Sligo in their draft development plan, in line with current and previous development plans, will impact on the potential to provide a new compact and sustainable model of development for Sligo, including the future regeneration of the Cranmore area.

The council's current work programme includes the design and procurement of renewal works at Cranmore Place, progressing the Mounds project and the part construction of the Cleveragh Regional Park. My Department is currently examining the impact of the council's decision on the long-term sustainable options for the regeneration of the Cranmore area. Any decision on the Cleveragh Regional Park project and the wider Cranmore regeneration programme must await the outcome of this examination.