Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 205: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the discussions he has had about a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if his attention has been drawn to the serious concerns of the local community in respect of the loss of the centre in a disadvantaged RAPID area; if his further attention has been drawn to appreciate that the board now faces serious issues in respect of the closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10681/10]

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 206: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the discussions he has had with a partnership (details supplied) in respect of a resource centre; the way the services provided by the centre to Tallaght west, Dublin 24, will now be delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10682/10]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 206 together.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 221 of 10 February 2010. I have had no discussions with the local development company in question, although I have met with the community development project (CDP) referred to by the Deputy.

As I have previously stated, my primary concern is to make every effort to ensure that the front-line services provided by, or supported through, my Department - especially those providing tangible benefits for the most disadvantaged communities - are protected. Under the new Local and Community Development Programme, local development companies will be able to identify and respond to the needs of communities and I have asked that particular attention be given to RAPID areas and to those areas where a CDP is no longer operating.

My Department has indicated that, if the CDP referred to decides to cease operations and to wind-up, my Department will, without prejudice, seek to assist the directors in discharging their statutory responsibilities, subject to the financial and regulatory limitations applicable to my Department.

With regard to business continuity issues for CDP activities in the Dublin 24 area, it would be a matter for the boards of management of the local groups in question to discuss this in the first instance. My Department will, subject to resources, endeavour to be as supportive as possible in relation to any decisions made between the CDP board and the board of the local development company regarding the maintenance of key front-line services and supports in the area.