Tony Killeen, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government yesterday welcomed a capital allocation of almost €24.5 million to support the 2008 social housing programme in County Clare.

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

The 2008 allocation represents a €2m 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.

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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.

(JM)