Fine Gael-led Government commitment to North East Inner City renewed and strengthened – McAdam

Funding for 2019 has increased to €6.5 million to help accelerate progress to ensure vibrant North East Inner City continues to flourish

As Chairman of the North Inner City Policing Committee and local Fine Gael Councillor, I joined local T.D. and Finance Minister, Paschal Donohoe and Michael Stone, Chair of the North East Inner City Implementation Board to launch the 2018 NEIC Progress Report.

This is the second Progress Report since Michael was appointed Chair in June 2017 and sets out the advances that are being made in implementing the recommendations central to the Mulvey Report for regeneration of the North East Inner City. This focuses on investment and support to tackle crime and drugs, maximise educational and training opportunities, create local employment opportunities and an integrated system of social services and improve the physical landscape of the local area.

The Report also details where Government funding has been spent in 2018 and outlines the ambition for 2019, which sees funding increase to €6.5 million to achieve goals and objectives set out by the Board.

This year’s Progress Report highlights the work that is being undertaken across a variety of areas and how it is making a difference to the lives of those I am proud to represent. Our Fine Gael-led Government has been unwavering in its commitment to addressing the needs of communities in the North East Inner City. Much valuable work has been undertaken this year to improve outcomes through enhancing the links between education and local employment opportunities, with programmes such as P-Tech and the development of a Social Employment Fund. Programmes such as this will have a significant and transformative impact on the local communities and our young people in particular, increasing their chances of fulfilling their dreams and reaching their full potential.

Due to the nature of the challenges faced by the NEIC, a long term approach is needed, which the Government is fully committed to. Annual reports such as this, however, are key to outlining the progress we are making and ensuring that we are continuing to move in the right direction for the benefit of the vibrant and resilient communities that live here in in Dublin’s North East Inner City.”

Huge progress has been made throughout the past twelve months with Central Government, State Agencies, Dublin City Council and the Gardai working hand in hand to deliver on the objectives contained in the Mulvey Report. Extra Gardaí have been assigned to the area since last January; and this year final approval was given for the refurbishment of Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station, which is expected to reopen in 2020.

Other improvements carried out in 2018 include:
• Improvements to the local landscape including upgrading of sports and community facilities; road resurfacing; public lighting; and public domain improvements such as painting, landscaping works, and the Green Ribbon initiative;
• An NEIC Executive Leadership Programme;
• The development of a programme to address substance-related issues faced by school children;
• A transport service for elderly people to attended hospital appointments;
• Extended opening times for Sean McDermott St Swimming Pool;
• Social Housing Developments including St Mary’s Mansions, Poplar Row, Croke Villas & Railway Street;
• Rutland St School Redevelopment;
• Greening Strategy by Dublin City Council;
• Lourdes Daycare Extension and Upgrade;
• Street Art installations and support for the Arts Project;
• Engagement with local business and shopfront renovations.