82 Miss Flaherty asked the Taoiseach the progress, if any, that has been made regarding plans for the disbursal of the urban funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12561/96]

A revised Operational Programme for the EU URBAN Initiative has been submitted by the Government to the European Commission and final approval is awaited. The Commission has approved three areas in Ireland to benefit from URBAN funding; the northside of Cork City, west Tallaght-Clondalkin and Finglas-Ballymun-Darndale. They have also approved the implementing structures which have been established, along with a broad allocation of funding for each area.

The implementing bodies have been offered technical assistance funding to enable them to draw up their plans. Final allocations will be made on the basis of the plans submitted following approval by the Commission of the operational programme.