RAPID plan runs out of steam

THE much-vaunted RAPID scheme, conjured up

Under the scheme, facilities and services in 45 of the State’s most disadvantaged towns were targeted for a financial injection over three years.

The response was overwhelming and more than 1,000 local projects were submitted. However, the vast majority of these have yet to see funding.

Unless money is forthcoming, the Government will stand accused of unfairly raising the expectations of many local communities whose projects are still dormant.

According to the company driving the scheme, an unspecified number of projects are under way.

Significantly, the responsible minister, Éamon Ó Cuív is reportedly carrying out a review of the policy.

There is now good reason to believe that Labour Leader Pat Rabbitte’s scathing criticism of the RAPID (Revitalised Areas by Planning, Investment and

Development) programme as the “worst con job of the election” may indeed be justified.