Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 345: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the full range of benefits and services which will arise from a decision (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24789/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given by Departments and statutory agencies to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within designated RAPID areas.

Following a review in 2006, I am in the process of re-focussing the programme around seven strategic themes: family support, community safety & anti-social behaviour, health, physical environment, youth support, education and employment & training.

A key mechanism for the programme is the RAPID Area Implementation Team (AIT) in each RAPID area, made up of relevant statutory, local and community interests and co-ordinated by the relevant local authority. These groups identify local priorities to be addressed by the individual lead Departments and agencies under the programme.

Deputies will be aware that it is the role of my Department, supported by Pobal to co-ordinate the implementation of the RAPID programme. It is, therefore, a matter for lead Departments to report on the implementation of the programme regarding proposals that fall within their remit.

I recently announced a Government decision to include five new areas in the RAPID Programme: Ballina, Co. Mayo; Dungarvan, Co. Waterford; Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford; Mullingar, Co. Westmeath and Rathkeale, Co. Limerick. This brings the number of designated RAPID areas from 46 up to 51. These changes follow an independent review of the findings of the 2006 Census returns. My Department is in consultation with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding the implementation of the decision.

Separately, in 2004 I introduced the RAPID Leverage Schemes to support mainly small-scale projects identified locally by the Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas. Under these schemes my Department co-funds initiatives by lead agencies that focus on estate enhancement, graffiti removal, traffic calming, community closed-circuit television, health and sports facilities, and the provision of playgrounds and multi-use games areas. In addition Dormant Accounts funding in support of priority projects in RAPID areas has been available in recent years. Further comprehensive information can be accessed on my Department's website – www.pobail.ie.