Ó Cuív to visit 5 new RAPID towns

The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs announced today that he will hold public information meetings in each of the five towns recently included in the RAPID Programme. On May 28th this year, Minister Ó Cuív announced the Government decision to include Ballina, Co. Mayo, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath and Rathkeale, Co. Limerick in the RAPID Programme. The RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development) Programme is a focused Government initiative to target the 51 most disadvantaged communities in the country.

Minister Ó Cuív said:

“The availability of small area statistics from the most recent census gave us the opportunity to look more closely than ever at levels of deprivation around the country to see if there were particular areas that through demographic change in recent years should now be included in the RAPID programme. I initiated this review last year because from my experience of visiting communities around the country, I felt that some areas that were not in the Programme might be eligible now.

“A core element of the RAPID Programme is the engagement of local communities in selecting and supporting local development and solving social issues. I am looking forward to each of these new RAPID areas and discussing the Programme with the local community.

“This Government is as committed as ever to supporting the most deprived, vulnerable and socially excluded communities in our country. This is a priority. We will continue to tackle social disadvantage in the only way that works in the long-term: positive action and strong community involvement. We are in this for the long-haul. It is unacceptable to us that children growing up in some areas of the country cannot expect the same level of educational attainment or job opportunities as their peers in other areas. We will continue to work towards equality of opportunity for all our children.”

The schedule of the public information meetings is as follows:

Ballina, Co. Mayo Monday 2nd November, 8.00pm Ballina Sports & Leisure Centre

Dungarvan, Co. Waterford Saturday 21st November, 2.00pm Venue tbc

Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Saturday 21st November, 5.00pm Venue tbc

Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Thursday 3rd December, 8.00pm Venue tbc

Rathkeale, Co. Limerick Friday 11th December, 4.00 pm Venue tbc