A programme focused on tackling social exclusion in disadvantaged urban areas and provincial towns has been launched.
The Programme for Government gave a commitment to relaunch the Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development programme, or RAPID.
Some projects supported by RAPID are CCTV installation, community gardens, streetscaping, youth facilities and play spaces.
Parents and children of inner city Dublin took part in the launch of a new Government programme focused on tackling social exclusion. pic.twitter.com/T7iT4UM0zR
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) November 2, 2017
€5 million in funding was announced today by Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring and Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe.
€2.5m of this year's allocation has been ring-fenced for Dublin's north east inner city.
One of the initiatives funded by RAPID in the inner city is the Home from Home Learning Programme in the North Strand.
Minister Ring said of the learning programme: "It is making a really positive difference to children and families in the area so that these children can grow up with the language, literacy and numeracy skills needed for success in education, career and life."
He said this year's allocation has a special focus on improving the quality of life in Dublin's north east inner city.
The minister added: "My role in Government includes developing communities whether they are rural or urban.
"I believe it is at community level that we can begin to make change by giving vital support to well integrated, locally owned initiatives. That is what RAPID is about."
€2m of the funding will be allocated to Local Authorities and Local Community Development Committees.
Local Authorities, on behalf of the Local Community Development Committees, will make payments to successful groups or organisations taking part in the programme.
