Vol. 557 No. 4
312 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the moneys available in his Department for the RAPID programme; the requests he has received for funding of the RAPID programme; the funding which has been granted to the RAPID programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22669/02]
As the Deputy is aware, the RAPID programme is designed to ensure that priority is given under national development plan schemes administered by Departments and State agencies to certain disadvantaged areas.
There is no specific funding within my Department's budget in respect of the RAPID programme. However, projects which are prioritised under the programme and which are the subject of applications under NDP schemes administered by my Department would be eligible for funding for such schemes provided within my Department's budget. No funding has been allocated to date by my Department to RAPID programmes.
I can confirm that two projects which are of relevance to my Department have been submitted to Area Development Management Limited, ADM, under the RAPID programme procedure. Both these projects relate to the New Ross area and involve the construction of a marina and shore facilities and the development of woodland amenities. My Department is considering the request by ADM and, in accordance with the agreed procedure, will shortly contact representatives on the local implementation teams for these projects concerning, among other matters, the timescale for project consideration under the relevant NDP schemes.
