485 Mr. McEllistrim asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will roll out the CLÁR Programme to the remaining parts of north Kerry not covered by the scheme; and the benefits of the RAPID scheme in Tralee, County Kerry since its introduction. [39048/06]

In early April I announced new measures under the Clár Programme in the existing CLÁR areas and an extension into parts of five new counties (Wicklow, Carlow, Laois, Kilkenny and Offaly). This brings the total number of counties covered by the Programme to 23 and increases the population benefiting from the Programme to nearly 727,000. I have no plans at present for any further expansion.

With regard to the RAPID Programme, Tralee, along with 19 other provincial towns, was included in the Programme in 2002. As I have indicated to the House on a number of occasions, it is a matter for individual Departments to report progress with their projects under the RAPID programme. In support of my Department, Pobal collects data from each RAPID area in respect of funding allocations received by projects from Government Departments and local state agencies. The latest data in respect of the programme are available on Pobal's website under the RAPID section (http://www.pobal.ie/live/RAPID). The Deputy may find it helpful to access this information. I understand that full data in respect of the year 2006 will not be collected until early 2007.

The Deputy will be aware that I launched the RAPID Leverage Fund in 2004 to support small-scale projects identified by the Area Implementation Schemes. Examples include increased funding to Tralee Town Council to develop:

New playgrounds in Rahoonane and St. Martins Park;

Fencing basketball/tennis courts in Spa Road;

20 car parking spaces in Spa Road/ Balloonagh;

Dyke area in Shanakill/Rahoonane;

Repairs to footpaths;

Traffic calming-ramps and pedestrian crossings;

Community gardens;

CCTV cameras to improve community safety.

486 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason the promised €20,000 matching funding to a centre (details supplied) in Co. Monaghan has not been made available; when the funds will be advanced to the resource centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39098/06]

Community-based projects attracting less than 50% public funding under LEADER may qualify for CLÁR top-up funding subject to certain conditions. Applications are made to the local LEADER group.

To date, the Department has not received an application for funding from the Cavan-Monaghan Rural Development Co-op Society Ltd on behalf of Rockcorry Development Association.