Launch of the North East Inner City Initiative’s 2023 Progress Report
- Published on: 22 December 2023
- Last updated on: 13 April 2024
This afternoon, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar joined Jim Gavin, Independent Chairperson of the North East Inner City Programme Implementation Board, and Minister Paschal Donohoe to launch the North East Inner City Initiative’s 2023 Progress Report.
Since 2016, the government has invested over €45.7 million under the NEIC Initiative which has achieved significant progress in enhancing the lives of the residents and communities of Dublin’s North East Inner City.
This is the seventh Progress Report by the NEIC Initiative, and it sets out the extensive work undertaken by the Programme Implementation Board in 2023.
Speaking at Killarney Court Community Centre today, the Taoiseach remarked:
“There is a great community of people in the north inner city. It has its challenges but also so many good things are happening here too. The government continues to invest in the area including initiatives for students and schools, after-school services, help for young people to enter the workforce, parenting, mental health, youth work, arts, sports, and many, many more.
“It is important to recognise the dedicated work that is happening year in - year out, on the ground in the North East Inner City. That is why I am proud to be launching the 2023 Progress Report with Chairman Jim Gavin. It highlights the good in our society – it shows how we are working together tirelessly and collaboratively to make a difference.”
The Taoiseach also noted the milestone capital achievements progressed in 2023:
“The refurbishment of the former Rutland Street School was a long-standing aspiration for the community. In November, a ‘turning-of-the-sod’ event was held on the grounds of the School marking the commencement of the refurbishment works. This landmark building will soon be re-established as a focal point for the community for future generations. Diamond Park reopened in August following extensive redevelopment. The results we see here today, are an incredible resource for the area, and one which will act as a hub of community life for generations to come.”
Speaking at today’s launch, Jim Gavin, Independent Chairperson of the NEIC Initiative stated:
“The NEIC Programme Implementation Board is unwavering in its commitment to resolve the challenges faced on a daily basis by this great community and capitalise on the vast expanse of opportunities that lie ahead to create a brighter future for all.
"Our 2023 Progress Report showcases that commitment to Dublin’s North East Inner City and highlights a selection of the excellent work completed during the year on areas such as community safety, family support, education and employment, health, sport, and improvements in the physical environment. This has been achieved by working collaboratively with the community and its representatives, local businesses, Dublin City Council, government departments and agencies.”
Speaking at today’s launch, Minister Donohoe stated:
“As someone who represents the North-East Inner City in Dáil Éireann, I see at first-hand the amazing work done by the Initiative which is outlined in the Progress Report, work demonstrates the impact of collaboration and consultation.
"Initiatives such as City Connects, the refurbishment of Rutland Street School and the redevelopment of Diamond Park play a key role in supporting all of those who live in the inner city, building better communities and creating brighter futures for young and old.”
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
Notes
The North East Inner City Initiative commenced in July 2016, when the government launched a major initiative for Dublin's North East Inner City to oversee the long-term social and economic regeneration of the area. To support the work of the Ministerial Taskforce, Mr Kieran Mulvey was appointed to engage with the local community groups, representatives and other interests, and to report back with specific recommendations.
The Mulvey Report, ‘Creating a Brighter Future’ in Dublin’s North East Inner City, was published in February 2017 with recommendations across several priority areas, as well as system of implementation structures to support the process. The report led to the establishment of the North East Inner City Programme Implementation Board chaired by an Independent Chairperson. The Mulvey Report has been further supplemented by an NEIC Strategic Plan 2020 – 2023.
Membership of the Programme Implementation Board is comprised of departments and agencies responsible for delivering programmes and services in the area alongside local community and business representatives.
The Board is supported by six Subgroups which look at:
- Enhanced Policing
- Maximising Educational, Training and Employment Opportunities
- Family Wellbeing
- Enhancing Community Wellbeing and the Physical Environment
- Substance Use, Misuse, and Inclusion Health
- Alignment of Services
In May 2023, Mr. Jim Gavin was appointed as the Independent Chairperson of the Programme Implementation Board and has taken up the role on a pro-bono basis.