Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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315. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the details of the marking scheme in respect of the community monuments fund scheme 2021; the reason Louth County Council only received 38% of proposed project awards versus applications (details supplied) which is the lowest percentage in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33334/21]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the Community Monuments Fund is a very popular scheme with demand far outweighing the level of funding available and, therefore, only a proportion of the applications received can be funded.  A robust assessment was carried out of all 166 applications received under the scheme for 2021.  Applications which failed to meet the minimum requirements in terms of required documentation, as stated in the grant memorandum, were deemed ineligible.  I am happy to confirm that the National Monuments Service of my Department is committed to engaging with all local authorities and applicants with a view to advising on unsuccessful applications and with the objective being to improve outcomes for all next year.