2.3 Billion Euro Spend In 2010 Aims To Protect The Environment And Promote A Sustainable Economy

John Gormley, T.D., the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has welcomed total spending of €2.3 billion for his Department  for 2010. 

The Department will have the second largest capital spending program (€1.5 billion) of all Departments and it will support key investment in housing provision and Water Services infrastructure.

Like all Government departments, the Department of the Environment has seen an overall reduction in its budget, and this will amount to 12 per cent in 2010.

However reductions in tender prices, combined with other initiatives, will enable the department to maintain its work in key areas of protecting the environment and promoting a sustainable society and economy.

€1.1 billion will be allocated for housing measures. The innovative move towards leasing of housing available in the market reduces the need for construction. 

Overall the housing budget will deliver some 9,000 new housing units for households in need of housing in 2010.

€80 million is being provided for housing adaptations grants for older people and people with a disability.

Despite budgetary pressures, support for homeless provision maintained at €56 million.

Funding for energy efficiency retrofitting programme in the public housing stock doubles to €40m.

€508 million will be made available to continue high level investment in water services infrastructure.  A new three-year capital investment program will be announced by Minister Gormley in order to prioritise key requirements country wide.

Investment in the upgrading of rural water schemes will also be continued.

Water metering for households is to be implemented to promote more efficient use of water. According to the Minister, this will provide a "fair basis" for a charging system based on consumption with a free allowance.

There are also general purpose grants of nearly €900 million in the Department's budget to support Local Authority current spending.

There will be no increase in Motor Tax.

The Minister also announced that a new Mayor of Dublin will be elected in 2010 and that his Department will be producing a white paper to be published on strengthening local authority organisation structures.

The budget also continues spending in the Heritage (€25 million) and National Parks and Wildlife (€32 million) areas.

Minister Gormley said  "At a time when we are steadfast in addressing essential reorientation of spending of public moneys I am satisfied that significant resources are being made available to my Department for continuation of the key programmes in 2010 both in my Department and across the Local Government sector."