Home > Taoiseach launches North East Inner City Initiative.

[Merrionstreet.ie] Taoiseach launches North East Inner City Initiative. (20 Jul 2016)

External website: http://www.merrionstreet.ie/en/News-Room/News/Taoi...


Taoiseach Enda Kenny today launched a major initiative focused on the development of North East Inner City Dublin. The Taoiseach will chair a Ministerial Taskforce to support the long-term economic and social regeneration of the area. Kieran Mulvey has been appointed to prepare a report, working closely with community and public representatives, to recommend specific measures to support this regeneration.

 

The Taoiseach also announced a number of immediate measures to help the community build on the work already being done and to tackle the challenges the community faces. The Ministerial task force will ensure the delivery of these projects. 

 

These measures include:

  • an additional €1,000,000 package of investment, in sports facilities and projects in the area - to be made available for the duration of 2016
  • an extra €500,000 for small scale physical investments (focused on clean up of graffiti, derelict sites, litter) and local community and youth projects
  • additional funding of €100,000 for supports for drug related projects in the area
  • investment in arts-related projects
  • several new initiatives to support schools and young people in the North East Inner City

 

In consultation with the Garda Commissioner it has been decided to re-open Fitzgibbon Street Garda station, and work on this will commence in the second half of 2016, while funding has been confirmed for the redevelopment of Rutland Street school as a permanent focal point for local community projects.

 

Speaking in St Laurence O'Toole's School in Seville Place this afternoon the Taoiseach said:

I have visited this area a number of times and have listened carefully to the views of residents and groups here. It was clear to me that a significant amount of great work is being done in this area, what is also clear is the dedication and great spirit of the local community.

 

However, the North East Inner City faces profound challenges despite the great efforts and strengths of so many people. The Taskforce I am announcing today seeks to protect and invest in this community, in their lives today, and in their futures. Its main objective is to recommend and implement measures for the long-term economic and social regeneration of this area - with a ten year timeframe in mind. 

In the shorter term, I am delighted to announce some projects that will offer supports and improve opportunity. I remain personally committed to this initiative and I intend to keep visiting the area myself.

 

Minister Donohoe added:
I very much welcome this plan and believe it will improve the lives of people living in the north inner city. This Government is committed to tackling the problems that decades of underinvestment have caused. I and my Fine Gael colleague, Cllr Ray McAdam, will ensure that this new investment will make a real difference.

 

Mr Kieran Mulvey said: I am pleased to take on this challenging task on behalf of the Government and I look forward to working closely with the local community over the next few months.

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