Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2004
281 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the delivery of the RAPID programme in the Tallaght West area, Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18466/04]
View answerAs I stated previously, I envisage that in future the RAPID programme will operate on a number of levels in tandem. In the first instance there are many small-scale proposals from RAPID plans that could be dealt with more effectively at local level. 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.
A total of €2 million is being provided for the local authority housing estate enhancement scheme. This scheme will be operated by local authorities and will be funded on a euro by euro basis —€1 million from my Department and €1 million from the local authorities through the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Each of the three RAPID areas in Tallaght received a total allocation of €60,000 under this scheme.
Funding of €3 million is being provided for the current year to support the development of playgrounds in RAPID areas, €1.5 million from my Department and €1.5 million from the Department of Health and Children. Each of the three RAPID areas in Tallaght received a total allocation of €72,000 under this scheme. For both of these schemes, the local authority, in consultation with the relevant area implementation team, AIT, will select projects to be supported.
I expect to announce the details of top-up funding under the sports capital programme shortly. A total of €1.5 million has been set aside to top-up funding for successful projects from RAPID areas under this programme.
As regards the larger projects from RAPID plans that have already been submitted to Departments, these will continue to be considered for funding within existing funding streams in each Department. However, I expect that Departments will now be dealing with a smaller number of projects and will therefore be in a better position to prioritise projects and set out timescales for further actions. Work on improving integration and co-ordination of service delivery at local level will continue as this is a key component of the RAPID programme.
