443 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the gateway innovation fund has been reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40161/10]

The Department of Finance report Infrastructure Investment Priorities 2010-2016: A Financial Framework, which was approved by Government in July 2010, makes provision for the re-establishment of the Gateways Innovation Fund with an indicative level of funding of €200 million from 2012. The objective of the Fund will be to stimulate and support innovative and locally co-funded projects that will prioritise Gateway development in line with the National Spatial Strategy. A copy of the investment priorities report is available on the Department of Finance website at www.finance.gov.ie . My Department intends to liaise with the lead local authorities in the Gateways on the matter in early 2011.