The RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning Investment and Development) Programme is a Government initiative which targets 46 of the most disadvantaged areas in the country. The Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to the 46 designated areas by focusing State resources available under the National Development Plan. The Programme also requires the Government Departments and State Agencies to bring about better co-ordination and closer integration in the delivery of services.

An Area Implementation Team (AIT) was established in each of the 46 areas to develop a plan for their area. The AIT brings local State Agency personnel (Health Board, Local Authority, VEC, Dept of Social & Family Affairs, FÁS, etc) the local Sports Partnership Company, residents of the local community and, where they exist, Local Drugs Task Forces, together to prepare a plan identifying the needs of each area.

A Mallow Hub Town Forum has been established and 5 sub-groups formed to undertake actions at local level. The five sub-groups are Infrastructure and Transport, Education, Health, Heritage, Tourism and Environment and Recreation, Youth and Community Development. The Sports Partnership sits on the Recreation, Youth and Community Development sub-group.