Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 5

Written Answers. - RAPID Programme.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

339 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when funding for RAPID projects in local authority housing estates in Dundalk and Drogheda will be available; the amount of funding which will be available; the amount of funding which will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25151/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

The RAPID programme is a focused initiative to front load and prioritise investment already indicated under the NDP in the most disadvantaged areas. As many as 45 areas have been included in the programme. Strand I of RAPID relates to 25 urban areas including Dundalk and Drogheda and Strand II to 20 provincial towns.

There are a number of measures in place in my Department to support the programme, including the funding of the local co-ordinators for each RAPID area, managing the co-ordination of the programme across the Department and ongoing consultation with senior management in the local authorities concerned.

My Department is currently examining projects under both strands of the programme which have been received from the local area implementation teams. The proposals for Dundalk and Drogheda relating to local authority housing estates necessitate evaluation as well as consultation with the local authorities concerned and the Area Development Management Limited RAPID support team.