Since 2016, the Government has invested over €45.7 million under the Initiative which has achieved significant progress in enhancing the lives of people living and working in Dublin’s North East Inner City. This is the seventh Progress Report on the NEIC Initiative and it sets out the extensive work undertaken by the Programme Implementation Board in 2023 and sets out priorities for 2024.

Pg 30 Older people who use drugs

The NEIC Initiative is working on developing a scoping exercise, including peer-led focus groups, to determine the needs of older people who use drugs. Older people with drug problems are defined as people aged 40 or over. By the age of 40, these people have had a long history of drug use which has had significant impact on their general health and well-being. A large proportion also experience mental health and social problems such as isolation, loneliness, homelessness, ageism, and stigma. Very often they live alone or in unstable accommodation and have little or no family support.

Highlights from the 2023 progress report include:

• Commencement on the refurbishment of the Rutland Street School building.
• Funding of over €762,000 for initiatives to support students, training, and employment opportunities.
• 1,750 pupils, across ten NEIC primary schools, linked to a tailored set of supports and opportunities under the City Connects programme.
• 2,442 interventions delivered across psychology, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy in the past three years under the MDT programme operating in ten NEIC primary schools.
• Input to the work of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use with a presentation on the impact of drugs in the NEIC and the health-led approach being supported by the Programme Implementation Board.
• Funding for initiatives to support people dealing with addiction issues and mental health issues including establishing a Recovery Community in the NEIC, an on-street outreach service to vulnerable people, and an employment access programme for people in recovery from addition.
• Funding for a grant scheme to improve access for refugees and migrants to community-based services.
• Funding of over €930,000 provided for dedicated sports and wellbeing programmes, arts programmes, and cultural events.