Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Urban Development.

Paddy McHugh

Ceist:

723 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a study carried out in 2001 which determined that the towns of Tuam and Ballinasloe in County Galway were found to be among the ten most disadvantaged towns in the country; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that it was determined at the time that this disadvantage would be addressed through the RAPID programme; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that to date no development has taken place; if the disadvantage in both towns will be allowed to continue; the measures he intends to take to ensure the RAPID programme will be used to deliver improvements to the two towns; the elements which will be included in the RAPID programme for both towns; when the programme will be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20386/02]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

The position is that Tuam and Ballinasloe are among the 20 provincial towns that were selected for priority attention under strand two of the RAPID programme. An area implementation team comprising representatives of the relevant State agencies and residents from the local community was established in each town to prepare a plan for the area. The plans for Tuam and Ballinasloe were prepared and sent to the national co-ordinator in Area Development Management Limited in October last. I understand the proposals contained in these plans have been forwarded to the relevant Departments for consideration in the past few days.