“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.”