Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 28: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps he has taken to broaden the scope and scale of activities under the RAPID programme in view of the ongoing economic problems since taking up his portfolio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28743/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 200: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he has already undertaken or proposes to undertake changes in the operation of the RAPID programme with a view to improving community access and benefit to the programme in view of the ongoing economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29022/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 201: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he expects to be in a position to respond to the various community groups applying for assistance under the RAPID programme, with particular reference to the need to respond to the effects of the economic downturn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29023/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions 28, 200 and 201 together.

Through its focus on deprivation and social exclusion, the RAPID Programme will continue to address the impact of the economic downturn on vulnerable communities and to provide opportunities for social and economic recovery.

In order to ensure the continued relevance of the Programme, a review of RAPID area boundaries has been undertaken, based on an analysis of data from the most recent Census across a range of socio-economic and deprivation indicators. This was done to ensure that areas are appropriately targeting the most disadvantaged communities.

Following the review, the Government approved the inclusion of five new towns in the RAPID Programme in 2009 - Ballina, Dungarvan, Enniscorthy, Mullingar and Rathkeale. The review also proposed changes to the boundaries of some of the other 46 RAPID areas and I expect to bring proposals to Government in this regard shortly.

In 2010, funding of €5m has been allocated for the RAPID leverage schemes, whereby my Department co-funds with other Departments and agencies a range of small-scale local projects, such as playgrounds, traffic measures, health facilities, CCTV and sports facilities. In this regard, I can assure the Deputy that my primary focus will continue to be to ensure that the front-line services provided by, or supported through, my Department, and especially those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities, are protected.

Finally, the Deputy will be aware that it is a matter for individual Departments to report on the provision of funding and the progress on delivery with respect to projects under their areas of responsibility in the RAPID areas.