Several Government departments failed to spend their National Development Plan allocations last year, according to new figures. The Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation emerged as the poorest performer, spending less than half its £63 million (€80 million) allocation.

Others that failed to meet targets include the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development; the Department of Public Enterprise; the Department of the Marine; the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; and the Department of Education and Science.

The figures relate to capital expenditure for 2000 and were announced with the Exchequer Returns by the Department of Finance. Commenting on the figures, the Department of Finance said that, across the board, spending on the National Development Plan was "about on target". Officials said there were "some pressures on the system" but it was not related to capacity constraints.