Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for affording me the opportunity to raise this matter and I thank the Minister for being present. I commend the Minister on the focus he brought to his Department since 9 March; it is a refreshing change.

The Minister will be very familiar with the RAPID programme as he comes from a city in which it has been rolled out in a very successful manner. Coincidentally, it has been rolled out there for many years by a Ballina man, Mr. Ronan Ryan. Ballina was unfortunate in that it did not benefit from the programme in the early stages. The local authority decided not to apply, despite the fact that the town qualified on all grounds. In 2009, we received RAPID status and during 2010 an early implementation team was established involving consultation with community organisations and residents' associations according to the format evidenced throughout the country.

In October last, a series of projects was submitted to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs through Pobal to have RAPID funding sanctioned. The total value of the projects came to approximately €250,000 and they included a range of residents' association projects and the refurbishment of a community centre. Also included was a CCTV project. CCTV was to be installed to assist in combating anti-social behaviour in all areas of the town. The project has been with Pobal since then. I asked the Minister a parliamentary question on this issue some weeks ago and he replied that no decision had yet been made.

The Minister is to visit the town on Friday and will be made very welcome. Can he clarify whether there is any funding left for the programme? If not and if he is still awaiting a decision thereon, would it be possible for him to meet representatives of the implementation committee when he visits? He knows the value of the projects and of the RAPID programme. The projects are focused and will directly tackle disadvantage in communities. The CCTV project, in particular, will benefit the entire town.

I thank the Minister for listening and look forward to his response.

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