Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 March 2004
427 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the specific objectives for the north inner city area of Dublin for 2004 under the RAPID programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7935/04]
View answer428 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the proposals he has for changes in the structures or personnel for the RAPID programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7936/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 427 and 428 together.
I have stated previously that I am unhappy with certain aspects of the RAPID programme. In this context, I have been examining the manner in which the programme operates and envisage that in future the programme will operate on a number of levels in tandem. In the first instance, there are many small scale proposals from RAPID plans that have been sent unnecessarily to Departments for consideration when they could be dealt with more effectively at local level. I propose to introduce a new additional delivery mechanism to progress such actions, supported by funding under a new dedicated fund of €4.5 million that has been set aside for capital expenditure in 2004. These projects will be co-funded by the relevant public body/local agency under a number of categories, with levels of funding agreed at national level. I have been meeting my ministerial colleagues to agree the details of the measures to be funded and I intend to make a formal announcement shortly regarding the precise details of the operation of this fund.
It is proposed that Departments will continue to consider larger projects from RAPID plans for allocations from funding streams within each Department. Departments will be dealing with a smaller number of projects and will, therefore, be in a better position to prioritise projects and to set out timescales for further actions. Work on improving integration and co-ordination of service delivery at local level will continue, as this is an important component of the RAPID programme. The national monitoring committee for the RAPID programme monitors the programme at national level and I have taken on the role as chair of this committee.
I am aware of the different levels of progress across RAPID areas and of issues with progress in Dublin city generally. ADM, which manages the programme on behalf of my Department, has had discussions on the matter recently with Dublin City Council city development board. It should be noted that local personnel issues are a matter for the relevant local authority.
