The Department of Public Enterprise has received more than 450 proposals for a competition to promote access to information and communications technologies.

The Community Application of Information Technology (CAIT) initiative will make #2.5 million (£2 million) available for up to 25 projects, which will aim to tackle the "digital divide".

Grants will be made available to projects that encourage people who do not use technology in their everyday lives to become familiar with computers.

The initiative is primarily aimed at voluntary and community groups, although they may also join public or private bodies to implement projects.

Each project can be funded from £1,000 up to £100,000 between April 2nd 2001 and November 2002. At least one project will be located in each of the eight regional authority areas.

The majority of applications came from Dublin, while the midlands and mid-east were under-represented.

An independent steering group will consider the applications and make recommendations for funding by March 30th.