There is a distinct lack of Government interest in progressing projects in new RAPID towns to contract stage.
That is the view of Ballina based Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary who raised the matter in the Dáil again this week.
“I have now raised the issue of Ballina’s outstanding RAPID application on three separate occasions in the Dáil since May, and I am angered and annoyed that no real progress is being made,” he said.
“Following persistent lobbying and representation, the then minister for community, rural and Gaeltacht affairs Eamon O Cuív TD approved Ballina’s inclusion in the RAPID Programme in May 2009. At that time €250,000 was allocated under Dormant Accounts Catch Up Funding for new RAPID areas.
“A measure of the programme was that the funding would be drawn down over a two-year period and used for stand-alone projects designed to target specific social infrastructural issues,” explains Deputy Calleary.
“Projects were endorsed by the AIT in October 2010 and submitted to Pobal for approval. It was anticipated that the funding would be made available in Feb 2011.
“I raised the matter in Dáil Éireann on May 18 and again in September at which stage Minister Phil Hogan indicated that projects had been assessed and prioritised by Pobal, and were being considered by his Department in the context of the reduced level of funding available in the current year, and also in the context of the review of expenditure that is being undertaken.
“Now however it appears that the Government has moved the goalposts with Minister Hogan stating that the Dormant Accounts capital budget for 2011 is fully committed to existing projects, and accordingly the matter of progressing projects in the new RAPID towns, such as Ballina, will be kept under review.
“Given that Ballina Town Council’s application for funding for two capital projects has been submitted and awaiting approval since October 2010 is a clear indication that the Government is dragging its heels in relation to the programme. This latest reply to a Parliamentary Question put down by me in the Dáil shows that no progress is being made.
“This is totally unacceptable and I am calling upon the local Government TDs to progress this matter without any further delay.”
