Departmental Programmes.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2005

Tuesday, 15 February 2005

Ceisteanna (316)

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

371 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will include Ringsend and Irishtown, Dublin 4, into the RAPID programme for Pearse Street and the adjoining area in view of the fact that unemployment, educational disadvantage and the number of lone parents are higher in the Pembroke East A ward, which comprises Ringsend and Irishtown, in contrast to Mansion House A and South Dock wards, which make up the bulk of the RAPID area in the vicinity of Pearse Street; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4716/05]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I have no plans at present to expand the geographical boundaries of RAPID areas to include additional communities. However, as I stated previously, I am examining an apparent anomaly regarding Ballyfermot which, despite meeting the criteria for inclusion in strand I of the programme, was omitted due to its inclusion in the URBAN II programme.