Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Jul 2003

Vol. 570 No. 2

Written Answers. - Departmental Programmes.

Jack Wall

Question:

537 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the progress to date in regard to the implementation of the RAPID programme for Athy; the amount of moneys made available for the implementation of the programme from his Department for Athy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18541/03]

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

The RAPID programme initiative seeks to frontload and prioritise in the most disadvantaged areas in the country, investment already indicated under the national development plan. Forty-five areas are included in the programme; Strand I of RAPID relates to 25 urban areas and Strand II to 20 provincial towns.

Apart from expenditure on projects, my Department supports the RAPID programme in a number of ways, including the funding of local co-ordinators for each RAPID area, co-ordination of the programme across the Department and ongoing consultation with senior management in the local authorities concerned. In addition, public agencies, including local authorities, are already providing a wide range of services in all RAPID areas. My Department provides funding to local authorities for many of these services.

Two RAPID projects for Athy were submitted to my Department by the local area implementation team. Details, as available, regarding progress on implementation of these projects is set out in the following table.

RAPID Projects in Athy

RAPID Area	Project No.	Subject	Position
Athy	Ke Athy 008	Remedial Works Scheme at Townspark and Carbury Park	Scheme designated for funding under the remedial works scheme in May 2001. Sketch design and cost plans have been submitted to the Department for evaluation and the Department has recently requested additional information on the proposed works. An allocation of €120,000 was made to Athy Town Council in 2003 for the scheme.
Athy	Ke Athy 009	Employment of Tenant Liaison Officer	Town Council has applied for funding under the housing management initiative grant scheme 2003. This application is being considered in the context of the overall demand for grant assistance in 2003.