Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I subsequently found some money for certain projects in the five designated towns identified in 2009, arising from the same criteria mentioned by the Deputy. The Deputy was associated with leverage schemes and we had to seize the leverage that money could provide with regard to projects like traffic calming, graffiti removal and provision of play groups. That came from other Departments because of existing financial commitments. Social inclusion measures will continue to play a major role and I will ensure this is the case with local authorities when RAPID and other agencies are more closely aligned with the local government sector.

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