Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 280: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for the development of the RAPID programme and groups likely to benefit under that heading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6105/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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As I have stated previously, the RAPID programme is now operating on a number of different levels.

Many small-scale proposals from RAPID areas are being dealt with more effectively at local level. To support this approach dedicated funding of €6 million is provided in 2005. These proposals are being co-funded by the relevant Department or local agency under a number of categories with broad levels of funding agreed at national level. I am currently in discussions with my colleagues regarding co-funding a number of measures for 2005 and I hope to make an announcement in the near future.

As regards the larger projects from RAPID plans that have already been submitted to Departments, these will continue to be considered for funding within existing funding streams in each Department. However, Departments will now deal with a smaller number of projects and will therefore be in a better position to prioritise projects and set out timescales for further actions.

Work on improving integration and coordination of service delivery at local level will also continue, as this is a key component of the RAPID programme.

Special provision was made by the Government for RAPID areas under the dormant accounts plan. Discussions are ongoing with Departments regarding prioritisation of other non-capital actions included in the AIT plans. Communities in the RAPID areas will benefit from the measures that I have outlined.