Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Funding is provided by my Department to Local Authorities on a range of green initiatives, including the Anti-litter and Graffiti Initiative, Anti-dumping Initiative and the Community Environment Action Fund. Funding has been provided to Mayo County Council under each of these initiatives during 2019.

In relation to the Anti-litter and Graffiti Initiative, I recently announced national funding of €771,500 for 2019. Mayo County Council has been allocated €20,000 from this fund to promote greater public awareness and education in relation to litter and graffiti, with a particular focus on voluntary initiatives by community and environmental groups, and on involving schools and young people in anti-litter and anti-graffiti action.

In August I announced €460,000 of funding for the Community Environment Action Fund, previously known asthe Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund. The Fund promotes sustainable development by assisting small-scale environmental projects at local level and is administered by Local Authorities. For 2019, Mayo County Council has received an allocation of €13,800 from this Fund. Applications for funding opened on 21 August and will be accepted by Local Authorities until Friday, 27 September 2019. For 2019, priority is being given to projects with a climate or biodiversity focus.

In relation to the Anti-Dumping Initiative, a national allocation of €3 million is being made available this year which will support over 280 projects across the country. The primary focus of this initiative is to identify high risk or problem areas, develop appropriate enforcement responses and carry out clean-up operations in partnership with Local Authorities and community organisations. Mayo County Council has been allocated €121,960 this year under this initiative.