In addition, the Minister noted the allocation of €2m for traveller specific accommodation in the year. 

The 2008 allocation represents a EUR2m increase on the figure provided to Clare Local Authorities last year.

“These funds, will enable the local authority to continue with its house building programmes, which have delivered approximately 120 starts and completions in 2008”, Minister Killeen said.

He continued, “The County also has an ambitious programme of improvement works relating to existing local authority estates with extensive works to be undertaken in John Paul Estate, Kilrush and in Inis Eagla, amongst others. The allocation for this work has almost tripled to €4.2 million.”

“An allocation of €150,000 has also been made to Ennis Town Council for the completion of its central heating programme.  Under this programme, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government provides co-funding for the installation of modern central heating systems into local authority houses. Priority continues to be given to installations for older people”, concluded Minister Killeen.

APPENDIX
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL (Including town councils)
SCHEME                                                  EUR
Local Authority Housing Programme 18M
Traveller Specific Accommodation     2M
Improvement Works                       4.25M
Central Heating Programme             150K
Grand Total                                    24.4M

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available on request

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)