Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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198. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will provide an update on the work of the shared island local authority development funding scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53385/22]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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199. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the funding awarded to cross-Border projects recently under the Shared Island Local Authority Development Funding Scheme. [49695/22]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.

On 29 September, the Taoiseach and I announced 25 awards totalling more than €4.3 million under the Shared Island Local Authority Development Funding scheme at an event in Cavan. Funding was awarded to 25 projects which brought together 23 different local authorities from across the island. The scheme, which is funded by the Shared Island Fund and managed by my Department, enables Local Authorities North and South to progress feasibility and development work on new joint investment projects which deliver local and regional development goals. Local authorities have commenced work on the projects and funding will be available for drawdown in 2023.

The projects receiving funding promote local and regional development goals and foster collaborative undertakings right across the island in line with the revised National Development Plan for 2021-2030. The projects concentrate on key issues such the natural environment, cultural and heritage sites, enterprise, sustainability and tourism.

The awards recognise that local authorities, through their unmatched understanding of the potential and needs of their regions, are well positioned to harness the unique conditions and characteristics of their localities and deliver results that fulfil the promise present at so many sites in both jurisdictions. The scheme represents an opportunity for local authorities North and South to cooperate and to highlight their ability to deliver for their communities.

A full list of projects awarded funding is available in the attached file.