Brian O'Shea
Ceist:129 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the progress made to date regarding the implementation of strand II of the RAPID programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22325/01]
Written Answers. - RAPID Programme.
Strand II of the RAPID programme, which will focus on provincial towns, is currently being finalised. Towns will be selected on the basis of objective criteria. The identification of towns for inclusion in the programme is being pursued on behalf of my Department by Area Development Management Limited. The identification process has involved detailed analysis of a range of relevant data, including, in particular, data relating to local authority housing and levels of educational attainment. This analysis has also been complemented by extensive interviews and discussions with senior local authority officials.