Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In line with a commitment under the programme for Government, I launched a new RAPID programme in 2017. This was a brand new programme to replace the original RAPID scheme that was funded a number of years ago. Under the new programme, funding is provided for local authority areas instead of for specific RAPID areas as had been the case in the past. Local community development committees, LCDCs, operating under the aegis of the local authorities, allocate the funding to individual projects at a local level.

My Department is currently developing proposals for an enhanced programme to support disadvantaged communities and I hope to make an announcement in this regard in the coming weeks. My intention is that the programme will continue to focus on addressing areas of local disadvantage and that LCDCs will continue to administer the programme at local level. By using local structures and local knowledge, we can ensure that funding is given to those areas most in need.

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