Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)

The Minister outlined quite succinctly that the RAPID programme has been really important over the years in tackling disadvantage and dereliction and breathing life into new towns. The previous scheme made a real difference in places like Athy, where that targeted investment helped communities deal with deprivation and improve local facilities. As the Minister moves forward with the new RAPID programme announced two weeks ago, I urge him to make sure that towns like Athy and Newbridge in Kildare are again included. Both continue to experience high levels of deprivation and could really benefit from focused community-driven support. These towns have great energy and strong local groups doing fantastic work. They just need the right backing from the Government to help them.

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