Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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52. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the supports available for communities through the RAPID programme; the success of the programme to date; the detail of his commitment to disadvantaged communities under the social inclusion and community activation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19092/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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In 2017, with funding of €2 million, the RAPID programme supported almost 300 projects nationwide in amounts ranging from €300 to €64,500. For 2018, €2 million has again been allocated to the programme.

An additional €4 million is also included under the RAPID subhead. This includes funding of €3.5 million which is specifically for Dublin’s North East Inner City. This is being used towards addressing specific community structural issues in the area including community engagement, social employment and community development, and to support local community and youth projects through complementing existing programmes such as SICAP. €0.5 million is ring-fenced to satisfy legacy commitments to Sports Capital Grants under the original RAPID Programme.

Separately, on 20 April I launched the new Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, or SICAP, which covers 2018 to 2022. This is a major investment to support the most disadvantaged individuals and communities in our society. I am confident that over the five year term of SICAP that my Department will provide funding of some €190 million for the programme.