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

Question 61: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he expects the CLÁR programme to deal with various grant aid applications in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13183/11]

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

Question 62: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of applications for assistance under the CLÁR programme currently on hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13184/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 62 together.

With the reduced resources available for Department funding programmes, the CLÁR programme is being wound down. My Department has provision of up to €0.5m for the Programme for 2011; this will be used to meet existing commitments arising during this year. There are currently approximately 143 projects under the Programme on hands with my Department. Most of these are in the area of support for Sports Capital projects. I understand that no new funding applications have been invited since August 2008 under the main CLÁR programme measures.

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

Question 63: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he expects the RAPID programme to operate in 2011; the likely expenditure under this heading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13185/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within designated RAPID areas nationally.

It is a matter for individual Departments to report on the provision of funding and progress on delivery with regard to projects under their responsibility in the different RAPID areas.

My Department administers the RAPID Leverage Schemes, which are designed to support small scale projects identified locally by Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas. These schemes are co-funded by the relevant agencies, and the schemes support projects that focus on estate enhancement, graffiti removal, traffic calming, community closed-circuit television, health and sports facilities and the provision of playgrounds.

Funding of €3.16m is being provided in my Department's Vote in 2011 to support a number of projects under the leverage schemes. My primary focus will be to ensure that the front-line services being supported by my Department - and especially those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities - are protected. Given that the schemes are demand-led, it is not possible to indicate the extent of demands during 2011. However, I am satisfied that this year's allocation will be sufficient to enable progress to be made with small-scale co-funded projects in RAPID areas.