EUR66k For Playgrounds In Ennis Rapid Area

Minister of State and Clare T.D., Mr. Tony Killeen has welcomed the announcement that EUR66K will be distributed to the Ennis RAPID Programme to support the development of new playgrounds or refurbishment of existing playgrounds.

According to Minister Killeen, "The funding announced by the Department of Health and Children and Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is the latest in a series of funding allocations for various Ennis RAPID Programme projects. I now look forward to the funds being used to increase the number of public play areas available to children and young people in the Hermitage, Clancy Park, Cloughleigh, Drumbiggle, Dalcassian and Military Barracks areas of Ennis."

"It is important that children in urban areas have proper play areas and facilities. The RAPID Playground Scheme 2007/2008 has been very successful so far and I am pleased that this additional funding of EUR66k will result in better facilities for even more children in Ennis RAPID areas", added Minister Killeen.

He explained, "Once the funds have been allocated, Ennis Town Council will consult with the local RAPID Area Implementation Team to agree the precise nature and location of the playgrounds to be funded."

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Department of Health and Children are funding the RAPID Playground Scheme 2007/2008 on a 50/50 basis, in conjunction with the Health Service Executive.

The RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development) Programme is a focussed Government initiative to target the 46 most disadvantaged areas in the country.

The Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within the 46 designated areas through targeting state resources, available under the National Development Plan. The Programme also calls on Government Departments and State Agencies to bring about better co-ordination and closer integration in the delivery of services. There are two Strands of the Programme - Strand I targets 26 urban areas, while Strand II targets 20 provincial towns around the country.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
High resolution image of Minister Killeen available on request

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
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media@dunphypr.com
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