From Department of Finance; Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform
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Funding for 2019 has increased to €6.5 million to help accelerate progress to ensure vibrant North East Inner City continues to flourish
Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, and local Dublin Central TD, Paschal Donohoe, today (Wednesday) joined Chair of the North East Inner City Implementation Board, Michael Stone, for the launch of the 2018 NEIC Progress Report .
This is the second Progress Report since Mr Stone 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.
Speaking at the launch of the report, Minister Donohoe said:
“The 2018 Progress Report details the ways in which the work being carried out is making a difference, and highlights the nature of that work to date.
“This 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.
“I want to thank the Independent Chair of the Board, Michael Stone, who has given so much time and energy over the past 18 months to help achieve the these ambitions. I also want to pay tribute to six time All Ireland winner, Michael Darragh Macauley, who been appointed Community Sports Engagement Manager to help improve participation rates and increase activity levels in the area among all ages. 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.”
Chair of the Board, Michael Stone, said:
"We have made much progress across 2018 working with key Government Departments and the agencies that have statutory responsibility for delivery of services. Forty 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. I look forward to continuing my efforts in the North East Inner City in 2019 and harnessing the strength of the local community as we work together to achieve meaningful and visible change."
Other improvements carried out in 2018 include:
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