An independent evaluation of a Government's funding programme for some of the most disadvantaged areas in the country has concluded that sustained investment is needed for up to 20 years if it is to make serious inroads into social exclusion.
The Rapid programme, launched four years ago, is aimed at ensuring that State resources are targeted at 45 designated areas to help deliver better services and promote local development.
The evaluation of the programme, conducted by Fitzpatrick Associates, found that funding had "played an invaluable" role in targeting social exclusion and had laid the foundations for significant progress to be made by disadvantaged communities in the years ahead.
However, it said these areas required a long-term plan of between 15 and 20 years of concerted action if serious inroads were to be made into some of the problems they faced.
The report identified a number of strengths and weaknesses of the funding initiative.
Among the strengths were the impetus provided for local development projects; measurement of the needs of communities for the first time; encouragement of partnership between residents, local authorities and other organisations; and a greater understanding of local needs as a result of partnership projects.
However, the weaknesses identified included a lack of strategic planning and a sometimes reactive approach to delivering projects; limited implementation of the programme in a number of areas; difficulties securing funding for some projects, especially those related to education.
Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, said it was clear that a long-term commitment was needed from Government in tackling disadvantage.
"I have said time and again that I believe a properly structured Rapid, with long-term commitment, would make a significant difference to the quality of life in these areas," he said.
"It was vital that we analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the current programme, so we can build on the strengths and eliminate the weaknesses. This report will be a very important tool in the renewal of Rapid for the 2007-2013 period."
The report makes a number of recommendations including a new long-term commitment to the continuation of the Rapid programme; retaining responsibility for administration of the scheme with Pobal - formerly ADM Ltd, re-focusing on six strategic issues including family support, crime and health; a significant increase in funding; and more early intervention and family support activity.
The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, supported by Pobal, co-ordinate Rapid's implementation.
