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Community Development.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2004

Tuesday, 9 November 2004

Ceisteanna (30)

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

87 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has proposals to expand and develop the RAPID programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27966/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I envisage that the RAPID programme will operate on a number of different levels in tandem in future. Many small-scale proposals from RAPID areas are being dealt with more effectively at local level. I have put in place a dedicated fund of €4.5 million in 2004 to help progress these proposals and support this approach. These proposals are being 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 is being operated by the local authorities and is being funded on a euro for euro basis —€1 million from my Department and €1 million from the local authorities through the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Each of the strand I and strand II RAPID areas received total allocations of €60,000 and €40,000 respectively. 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 strand I and strand II RAPID areas received total allocations of €72,000 and €60,000 respectively. The local authority, in consultation with the relevant area implementation team, AIT, selected the projects to be supported under both schemes.

A sum of €2.2 million in top-up funding has been allocated to 73 projects in RAPID areas, which were successful under the sports capital programme 2004. All successful projects that were endorsed by the AIT were considered for top-up funding, with up to 30% additional funding being provided by my Department, subject to the total grant not exceeding 80% of project cost or the amount requested by the applicant. The roll out of these co-funding measures is continuing and it is hoped to make further announcements regarding same in the near future.

The larger projects from RAPID plans that have been submitted to Departments will continue to be considered for funding within existing funding streams in each Department. However, I expect Departments will deal 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 also continue, as this is a key component of the RAPID programme.

Special provision was made by the Government for RAPID areas under the dormant accounts plan. Under the women's equality measure, €7 million out of €12 million of the funds has been reserved for RAPID areas. Discussions are ongoing with Departments regarding prioritisation of other non capital actions included in the AIT plans.

I have no plans to expand the RAPID programme geographically. However, Ballyfermot met the criteria for inclusion in strand I of the RAPID programme but was omitted due to its inclusion in the URBAN II programme. I am examining this apparent anomaly.

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