Fergus O'Dowd
Question:1336 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress to date on the RAPID programme; and if he will give a comprehensive report of all expenditure to date on this programme. [20687/03]
Written Answers. - Departmental Programmes.
My Department, supported by ADM Limited, co-ordinates the implementation of the RAPID programme. Plans have been prepared for each of the 45 areas. Proposals from these plans have been forwarded by ADM Limited to the relevant Department for consider ation. It is a matter for other Departments to report on the implementation of the programme in relation to proposals that fall within their remit.
As regards my own Department, proposals from the RAPID plans fall to be considered under the young peoples facilities and services fund, the community development programme and funding for local drugs task forces. The estimated cost of these proposals is in the region of €65 million.
In the case of proposals relevant to the YPFSF, proposals submitted under the RAPID plans will be considered in the context of decisions to be made under round II and in light of the overall funding position for 2004.
A number of proposals in RAPID plans relate to the CDP. Earlier this year funding allocations to six new CDPs in RAPID areas were announced. Projects in Bluebell, Dolphin House, Inchicore, Merchants Quay-Ushers Quay, Longford town and Tipperary received a renewable one year contract for funding of €60,000. In 2001 core funding was provided under the CDP to St. Munchin's CDP –€127,000 was provided to the building project and €25,000 was paid to it in 2002 towards equipping the centre. An amount of €1 million was also allocated under the premises initiative to a LDTF project in Tallaght.
Since the establishment of the RAPID programme my Department has provided approximately €3 million by way of support to the local areas in the preparation and implementation of their plans and administration costs associated with the support team in ADM.
Jack Wall
Question:1337 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress to date in regard to the implementation of the RAPID programme for Athy; the amount of moneys made available for its implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20831/03]
Athy's RAPID plan included a number of proposals for funding under various schemes. They have been forwarded to the relevant Departments for consideration. None of the proposals fall within the remit of funding schemes operated by my Department.
My Department has allocated €24,100 to the Athy area implementation team to support it in the preparation of the plan and in the implementation of the programme.