Thomas P. Broughan
Question:14 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the progress made to date regarding the implementation of the RAPID programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22324/01]
Written Answers. - RAPID Programme.
The implementation of strand 1 of the RAPID Programme, which targets the 25 urban centres with the greatest concentration of deprivation, for priority funding under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, is progressing satisfactorily.
A national co-ordinator and liaison team are in place and local co-ordinators have been appointed to 23 of the 25 areas, with the remainder expected to be appointed in the coming days. Area implementation teams have been established and community consultation is under way in all areas.
The programme has set a target date of 31 December this year for the completion of local area plans and the frontloading of investment under the NDP will proceed during 2002 and 2003.
My colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Dempsey, is working on strand II of the RAPID Programme, which will target provincial towns, while the Minister of State, Deputy Ó Cuív, will tomorrow launch the CLAR Programme targeting rural poverty.