THE Northside’s highest profile politicians have reaffirmed the Government’s long-term commitment to the North East Inner City regeneration programme.
The programme, launched in 2016, saw an initial investment of €7.5 million in the area with a further €3.5 million promised for 2018.
The North East Inner City 2017 Progress Report was launched by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD and Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe during a recent visit to the area.
The report sets out the work of the Programme Implementation Board, which was established by Government in June 2017.
Michael Stone was appointed Independent Chair of the Board to implement the recommendations of the Mulvey report on which the regeneration is based on.
Speaking at Sherriff Youth Club, during the visit An Taoiseach promised to support the on-going effort to regenerate the neighbourhood.
“I had the chance to visit a number of community projects and see with my own eyes the commitment and passion of so many people determined to bring hope and opportunity back to this community,” he said.
“The North Inner City is full of decent people, long established communities and newcomers who are proud of their neighbourhood and want the best for their children.
“While the community has faced serious challenges in recent years, there is a real determination to move forward.
“The Government is determined to back this through targeted investment and expertise.”
Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, who is also TD for the area, acknowledged what he described as the “essential contribution of the local community” to regenerating the area.
“It is great to see so many of the projects and groups in the area engaging strongly with the initiative, recognising that this is the best way to ensure its success,” he said.
“The Government will continue to play its part through the involvement and support of departments and agencies.”
Chair of the Board Michael Stone also spoke at the launch of the progress report.
“My focus from the start has been to get things done, to be ambitious and to challenge all those I am working with to raise the bar and to seek action and innovation,” he said.
“I am determined that the initiative will be successful and will make the North East Inner City a safe, attractive and vibrant living and working environment for all.”
The progress report highlights improvements that have been made under the programme.
Examples include three all-weather pitches at Sheriff YC, Larkin Community College and St Laurence O'Toole community centre and a new boxing facility for Ballybough Boxing Club.
GAA and FAI coaching programmes have also been established and there’s a new dedicated sports development officer for the area.
An outreach project with Ana Liffey Drug Project targeting street dealing is underway and Dublin City Council and Gardai are working together on the installation of CCTV at 13 key locations.
Three major infrastructural projects are also on the way including a new primary care centre to be opened at Summerhill later this year that will be one of the largest in the country.
Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station is also being refurbished and a new community hub at Rutland Street is currently at design stage.
Dublin City Council is also continuing its programme of social housing provision for the area with major projects underway at Mary’s Mansions, Croke Villas and Poplar Row.