Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:54 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the progress regarding implementation of the RAPID programme for disadvantaged towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6955/02]
Written Answers. - RAPID Programme.
I launched strand II of the RAPID programme for provincial towns on 1 February. The 20 towns included in the programme were identified on my behalf by Area Development Management Limited on the basis of objective criteria.
The national monitoring committee for RAPID at its meeting on 12 February, was briefed on the strand II programme. The process for the recruitment of a local co-ordinator for each town and the strengthening of the Area Development Management RAPID support team has already commenced. The co-ordinators and the support team will have a major role to play in the programme. An intensive briefing session on the operation and implementation of the programme for key personnel from all the public and local development agencies, who will be directly involved at local level, has also just taken place.