Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 301: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for future development of the RAPID programmes as administered nationally but with particular reference to the geographical area of Dublin City Council; his views on the RAPID programme; if he will commit sufficient resources to it to continue to develop its programme of action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19604/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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RAPID operates in 51 areas nationally of which nine are within or partially within the area administered by Dublin City Council. It is a matter for individual Departments to report on the provision of funding and progress on delivery with regard to projects under their responsibility within the different RAPID areas.

My Department administers the RAPID Leverage Schemes, which are designed to support small scale projects identified locally by Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas. These schemes are co-funded by relevant agencies and the schemes support projects that focus on estate enhancement, graffiti removal, traffic calming, community closed-circuit television, health and sports facilities and the provision of playgrounds.

Funding of €3.16m is being provided in my Department's Vote in 2011 to support a number of projects under the leverage schemes. This funding is being used to meet outstanding commitments, and new applications are therefore not being accepted at present. While I am continuing to give priority to social inclusion programmes administered by my Department, it will be necessary to ensure that there is enhanced coordination and efficiencies are achieved in relation to social inclusion initiatives into the future, including RAPID.