Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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Question 35: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the cuts to the community and voluntary sector in County Wexford from 2008 to date in 2011; if he will outline the cutbacks to the RAPID programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30306/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP) is the main community development programme operated by my Department in support of the voluntary and community sector. The aim of the LCDP is to counter disadvantage and promote equality and social and economic inclusion through partnership and constructive engagement with disadvantaged communities. The overall funding allocation for the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme and Community Development Programme, and the successor Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP), has been reduced from €83.5m in 2008 to €63.4m in 2011.

Funding allocated to County Wexford under these Programmes exceeded €11m over that period, with a yearly breakdown as follows:

2011 €2,362,738.28

2010 €2,536,453.32

2009 €2,851,222.00

2008 €3,316,667.09

The RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development) Programme aims to improve quality of life for residents living in 51 designated disadvantaged areas through the improved planning and co-ordination of state services and through the delivery of new investment in services and facilities. The RAPID leverage schemes were initiated in 2004 in order to support small-scale projects identified locally in each of the RAPID areas. These schemes are co-funded by relevant State agencies and support projects focusing on estate enhancement, graffiti clean-up, traffic calming, CCTV, health and sports facilities, and the provision of playgrounds. The table below provides details of funding for RAPID leverage projects in County Wexford from 2008 to 2011.