Rejection of Louth application for funding for St Patrick's Day queried

Questions as to why some local projects, sent for consideration to the Department of Community and Rural Development by Louth County Council, did not make the cut for the Community Recognition Fund, were raised in the Dáil last week by Louth Sinn Féin Ruairí Ó Murchú.

During questions to Minister Dara Calleary, the Dundalk TD said two applications made by the local authority for St Patrick’s Day in Dundalk and Christmas were refused. Deputy Ó Murchú also asked the Minister that the current application, made by the Muirhevnamor Community Gardens, be considered.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: “Several groups of got funding under the community recognition fund, which is absolutely sound, but there is an issue in that two applications made by Louth County Council were refused. When I compare them with others, I am not entirely sure why they were refused. I ask that the Minister examine them. They relate to St. Patrick’s Day and Christmas lights and tree. The council is involved in long-term festivals.

“Louth County Council decided that the applications were legitimate and submitted them. It saw amounts of money similar to what it required provided in other areas. This needs to be examined. I ask that the community gardens project in Muirhevnamor be considered. It is for the next round. 

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"It involves an absolutely brilliant piece of work, in an urban setting, that allows people to have allotments and all those things we like and need to see a lot more of.”

In response, Minister Calleary said he was aware of the projects that had been rejected and the department had “given feedback to Louth County Council on why the two applications could not proceed.”

Minister Calleary said: “However, the council has not lost any money as a consequence. It is important that it has been asked to submit alternative projects or further details on the proposed projects. The next project the Deputy mentioned, the community garden, is being assessed, and I will keep the Deputy informed about progress.”