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What is RAPID

The RAPID programme is aimed at improving the quality of life and the opportunities available to residents and communities of Irish cities and towns who did not benefit from the prosperity experience in Ireland during the Celtic Tiger era. In a focused and practical way it aims to reduce the deprivations faced by residents of these communities by prioritising state and local resources at the needs of the areas targeted.

RAPID strategic plan 2005 - 2007 [ word 185kb ]

RAPID is based on the principle that the services needed by communities are best defined and planned by the communities themselves. All work takes place with the full participation of the communities in which the programme operates. The RAPID programme places great emphasis on the need to enhance and build on the participation structures within the communities of the designated areas so that residents can make appropriate recommendations to meet their needs.

Community participation is essential. This results in more appropriate and relevant services being delivered and develops a culture of participation that can have relevance beyond the local level. It involves residents in deciding the sort of community they want to live in. It ensures that local people are well informed about what is happening and can input into future developments, thus local development and decisions about development reflect the needs and wishes of the local community.