Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 528: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding that has been allocated for the RAPID programme since its inception; if this funding is in line with commitments made at the programme's inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22825/05]

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 529: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the RAPID programme will be extended into the future; if his attention has been drawn to the strong support for RAPID in many communities including Brookfield, Fettercairn, Jobstown and Killinarden in Tallaght west (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22826/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 528 and 529 together.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department, supported by Area Development Management, ADM, Limited, co-ordinates the implementation of the RAPID programme. It is, therefore, a matter for each Department to report on progress on the implementation of RAPID and details of funding allocations to the projects that fall within the remit of their own Department.

However, Departments were asked recently to track funding against specific projects submitted in RAPID plans from each area. While this exercise is still under way, I am informed by ADM that Departments have, to date, reported a spend of €300 million in RAPID areas since the inception of the programme. It should be noted that this amount relates solely to specific projects in RAPID plans and does not include funding to RAPID areas by Departments, which are in addition to the RAPID plans.

I am aware of the strong support for the RAPID programme. as outlined by the Deputy. I believe that RAPID has an extremely valuable input to make into our society and that the programme should be continued. I cannot identify any specific commitments on funding given at the programme's inception and would appreciate further information from the Deputy with regard to this question.