Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. In the areas RAPID used to deal with, we do not see the impact of it as clearly as one would see it in a rural village or area. I stay in the north inner city when I am in Dublin and I notice there are major problems of deprivation and decline in the area. Entire streetscapes need a major amount of enhancement and other work to be done. The people in those communities want a chance and any effort that can be made to invest in those areas, as well as in rural areas, is absolutely necessary.

The amount of funding provided seems to be very small compared to that made available last year. While I acknowledge the Minister said that the €8 million allocation was a once-off, we hope it will be a once-off allocation every year, and perhaps a bit more, because it is a scheme that has made a huge difference. We should recognise and acknowledge when something is done well. That particular scheme has made a big difference to many small communities throughout the country. The level of funding available needs to be increased at least to the level available last year but hopefully a little more, if that was possible.

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