Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 December 2025
9. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the programmes, funding and supports for the most disadvantaged areas of Dublin north-west, given the RAPID Programme has been closed for some time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68434/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department administers a wide range of programmes to support communities. The main programmes focusing on areas of high disadvantage are the Empowering Communities Programme (ECP) and the Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme (SICAP). My Department also administers the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP), which provides capital supports for small community organisations serving disadvantaged communities in rural and urban areas.
The Empowering Communities Programme commenced in 2022, and at present there are 17 projects supported, with annual funding of €2.3 million. The programme operates initiatives in the Dublin north-west area, under Dublin North West Area Partnership and Dublin City Community Co-Op. Funding of just under €400k is allocated across three programme areas in Dublin north-west.
The areas selected for funding under the ECP are experiencing significant disadvantage, identified using the Pobal HP deprivation index. With the support of the relevant Local Community Development Committee, the programme aims to enhance community access to key services and empower local communities to develop their own response to area-based poverty, social exclusion and the resulting consequences.
SICAP is our country’s primary social inclusion intervention. It is a national programme delivered in both rural and urban areas by Local Development Companies. SICAP aims to address high and persistent levels of deprivation through targeted and innovative, locally-led approaches. It targets and supports those most disadvantaged in Irish society. Funding of approximately €1.88m has been allocated to Dublin North West Area Partnership for delivery of the programme in 2025, along with additional funding of approximately €71k for delivery of supports to New Arrivals in the Dublin north-west area.
As the Deputy will know, funding of €5m has been secured in Budget 2026 for the development of a successor to the RAPID programme, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government. My Department is currently designing the new programme, and I expect to launch the scheme in the new year.
