Funding refused for wetlands project in Tullamore

Funding sought for a wetlands project at Kilcruttin in Tullamore was refused as it did not meet the correct criteria.

The details are outlined in the Offaly County Council Statutory Audit Report 2023 which was published in January.

As part of the Tullamore Living River Project, Offaly Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) sought funding, under the Rural Environment theme of Leader Programme, to install a wetland in a low- lying piece of land between the road and the railway line at Kilcruttin.

Funding was granted for 75% of eligible expenditure up to a maximum of €161,694.43 and payment was subject to Special Conditions contained in the Letter of Offer.

However, a pre-payment inspection by the Inspection, Compliance and Business Development Unit of the Department of Rural and Community Development deemed that the expenditure claimed was in-eligible as the payment was made by the Council and not by the LCDC.

The auditor commented that ''It is important that grant conditions are fully observed and that lines of responsibility are clear, to ensure grant income is maximised.''

Responding, the Chief Executive Officer of Offaly County Council Anna Marie Delaney said that ''This project was successfully completed in accordance with the scope and objective for the project. The payment was made by Offaly County Council in the expectation that it could be claimed.''

The objective of the Tullamore Living River Project is to develop increased amenity and recreational opportunities through restoring the Tullamore Rivers ecological integrity, improving biodiversity and water quality.

The wetlands are now open to the public. A number of trees have been planted and a gravel pathway is in place.