Local Fianna Fáil councillor, Aengus O’Rourke, has welcomed an increase of funding for the five RAPID locations within Athlone, news of which was confirmed at the recently hosted local authority budget 2024 meeting.
“The RAPID programme aims to support the most disadvantaged areas in our town and I work very closely with all five of Athlone’s RAPID areas, namely Willow Park, Woodlands Grove/Ashdale, Sarsfield Square, Battery Heights and Blackberry Lane. Consultation with these local communities, both with individuals and groups, is crucial to identifying the needs of the areas. It is also crucial to have a plan to ensure you are not working blindly from year to year on low yield projects.
“With this in mind I proposed and secured additional funding in budget 2024 for the RAPID areas in Athlone. The 2024 allocation is now €40,000, the 2023 allocation being just €25,000 split between five large areas,” Cllr O’Rourke stated.
The councillor noted that the funding will assist with the building of capacity in these communities and will also help progress annual plans for the five locations.
“I am constantly meeting with and working with these communities to ensure there is a coherent plan and to ensure the money is well spent. My aim has always been to support these areas through education, work, sport, healthy living and self sufficiency.
“Together with Westmeath Community Development we will be looking at all the previous plans as well as any research and data which has been gathered. We will be identify and addressing any gaps with the objective of building confidence and supporting the communities to help themselves as much as possible. I don’t believe in hand holding people, but I do believe in leading and guiding people to good and productive pathways.
“The Athlone RAPID programme is trusted and respected for addressing disadvantage and for delivering positive outcomes in communities that need support so this additional funding will help us to do even more work on the ground in 2024 and that is to be welcomed,” Cllr O’Rourke concluded.
