Vol. 577 No. 5
175 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform 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. [31753/03]
My Department has no record of an application or proposal under the RAPID programme for Athy. The Garda authorities are represented on the Athy RAPID area implementation team. They have informed me that a RAPID proposal for a community Garda programme is currently being developed at Athy Garda station. The programme is an extension of the current neighbourhood watch scheme. The extension of the scheme has been agreed by local Garda management and implementation will take place in the new year.
No dedicated Departmental financial allocations have been made to provide potential funding for proposals received under the RAPID programme. My Department approves funding for RAPID proposals within the context of existing allocations across Votes under its remit. Particular priority is given to RAPID proposals that fall within the functional areas financed under the national development plan. Any proposals received through the RAPID programme for Athy will be given full and careful consideration.
