COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 14, 2009

QUESTION NO. 2

QUESTION: Councillor M. Corr

To ask the Manager to outline the practical implication of the winding down of the RAPID Programme in South Dublin in terms of it's impact on community resources and projects that are supported by this programme?

REPLY:

It should be noted that the McCarthy report contains proposals rather than decisions which will be considered by the Government and as recently as May 2009 the Government recommitted itself to the prioritization of RAPID.

However, if the Government decision is to wind up the programme then there will be an impact on community resources and projects in RAPID areas.  In the last eight years RAPID has brought in significant funding to address infrastructural deficits and social inclusion measures.  It is recognized that in the current economic climate, funding is now severely restricted, however RAPID is much more than just a funding programme.  RAPID has been successful in developing inter agency working, working strategically to meet locally identified needs with  a high level of community involvement at a neighbourhood level, all supporting better service delivery and value for money

RAPID continues to play a significant role in County and area initiatives. The role is often to instigate and then co-ordinate/lead multi agency initiatives which would not progress without the involvement of RAPID.

RAPID has been and is involved in initiatives such as:

Individual RAPID areas

Estate Management/Regeneration Projects

Community Health Projects (Fettercairn Community Health Project, Clondalkin Community Health Initiative)

Strategies to address Suicide and self harm (Suicide Action West Tallaght, Clondalkin Action on Suicide – both with Pieta House)

Family Support Initiatives (Acorn Project (with Barnardos) Tallaght; Clondalkin Family Support Network)

Recreational Space:  Seven new children’s playgrounds and five new Multi Game Areas for teens

Community Based CCTV Schemes – Also convened county-wide coordination group

South Dublin County wide

RAPID is also involved in all appropriate policy making structures where it seeks to maximize positive outcomes for the RAPID communities.  These include:

South Dublin County Childcare Committee

South Dublin Joint Policing Committee

Social Inclusion Measures, sub group of the County Development Board