Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2004
39 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his Department’s proposals to create new mechanisms to distribute RAPID funding to small-scale proposals and projects; the way in which such mechanisms will operate on the ground at local level; when he expects these mechanisms to be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16660/04]
View answer43 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way in which the dedicated fund of €4.5 million dedicated capital funding assigned for localised actions in RAPID areas has been spent to date in 2004. [16776/04]
View answer74 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if additional funding programmes funded as part of the RAPID programme, are envisaged by his Department; and the nature of these programmes. [16661/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 43 and 74 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, I have stated previously that there are many small-scale proposals from RAPID plans that could be dealt with more effectively at local level rather than being sent unnecessarily to Departments for consideration. In light of this, I have introduced a new delivery mechanism supported by a dedicated fund of €4.5 million in 2004, to progress these proposals. These proposals will be co-funded by the relevant Department or local agency under a number of categories, with broad levels of funding agreed at national level.
I have already announced details of a local authority housing estate enhancement scheme. A total of €2 million is being provided and this scheme will be operated by local authorities. It will be funded on a euro for euro basis, with €1 million from my Department and €1 million from the local authorities through the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Local authorities and area implementation teams were notified of their allocations and terms and conditions of the scheme on 20 April last. Projects will now be selected by the local authorities in consultation with the area implementation teams.
Funding of €3 million is being provided to support the development of playgrounds in RAPID areas. A sum of €1.5 million is being provided by my Department and a further €1.5 million has been made available by the Department of Health and Children. The aim of this scheme is to provide funding for new playgrounds or for the refurbishment of existing playgrounds in RAPID areas. The details of the operation of this scheme are almost finalised and will be announced shortly. It is proposed that an allocation of funding will be made to each area and that the local authority, in consultation with the relevant area implementation team, will select the projects to be supported.
I also intend to allocate top-up funding to successful projects from RAPID areas under the sports capital programme and €1.5 million had been set aside for this purpose. The Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism has announced the allocations under the programme and I will shortly consider top-up funding to successful projects from RAPID areas. Other measures to be co-funded are also under consideration.
