LINK to NEIC 2019 Progress Report
LINK to NEIC Strategic Plan 2020-2022
Wednesday, 18th December 2019
Minister Donohoe launches the North East Inner City Annual Progress Report & Strategic Plan 2020-2022
NEIC initiative, which is making a real difference to people’s lives, sets out plans for future development and growth
The Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure & Reform, and Dublin Central TD, Paschal Donohoe, this morning (Wednesday) joined the North East Inner City (NEIC) Programme Implementation Board Chair, Michael Stone, for the launch of the third annual progress report for the NEIC, coupled with the Strategic Plan 2020-2022 for the area. They were joined by Deputy Enda Kenny, who has been instrumental in the reform agenda for the NEIC, and the implementation of the recommendations of the Mulvey Report since 2017.
The NEIC Progress Report 2019 sets out the improvements that have been made this year in the implementation of a wide range of programmes and projects; the aim of which is to make the NEIC area a safer, more attractive and vibrant living and working environment for the community and its families.
These programmes include sport, recreation and wellbeing; tackling crime and drugs; community and arts events; education, training and employment; the provision of social services; and addiction treatment and rehabilitation services. The Strategic Report for the coming three years will ensure that the solid work that has been undertaken to date continues so that the services are put in place that allow the North East Inner City to continue to grow and flourish.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Donohoe said: ‘The work that has been carried out in the NEIC in the last number of years is having a real impact on the local community and its people. This year we have seen the opening of an Inclusion Health Hub in the area, which is the first of its kind in Ireland, is delivering valuable health services for drug users and the most vulnerable people in the community. Work is also ongoing on apprenticeships and engagement with local business, with 18 paid student summer work placements in the funds industry in the adjacent IFSC. A new Dublin Bus route is also now in place, serving the area and helping the community feel like it is even more connected’.
“The changes that are taking place in the North east Inner City are evident. The hard work and commitment of the local residents, to transforming the area, is matched only by Michael Stone and the team he has put in place to ensure long-term sustainable outcomes are delivered. Government funding of €6.5 million was made available this year to ensure that those objectives were met. We now turn our attention to the Strategic Plan for 2020-2022 and to further improvements in the areas of childcare, care for the elderly, modernisation of the local landscape and quality of life enhancements for all those living in the North east Inner City in the years ahead.”
Michael Stone said:
The strategic plan identifies priority actions across six work streams to be progressed over the next three years:
Under the Enhanced Policing work stream, a number of priority actions will be progressed to enhance policing services in the NEIC community and to improve engagement between An Garda Síochána and the local community.
Under the Maximising Educational, Training and Employment Opportunities work stream, work will continue on supporting and enhancing education, training and employment opportunities for school goers, young adults and the unemployed in the NEIC (including through P-Tech; the Social Employment Fund; work experience; and work placements).
Under the Family Wellbeing work stream, a number of priority actions will be progressed to improve family youth wellbeing. It is also intended to leverage the Meitheal approach; support initiatives on youth mental health; and expand the use of community case management for “hard to reach” young people.
Under the Enhancing Community Wellbeing and the Physical Environment work stream, efforts will be focused on improving social cohesion and wellbeing in the community and enhance the physical landscape and environment. Sport, Recreation and Wellbeing Programmes will remain and support will continue for community events and arts projects.
Under the Substance Use, Misuse and Inclusion Health work stream, continued progress will be made on actions to improve health outcomes for people who use and misuse drugs and alcohol and to promote inclusion health for socially excluded groups experiencing severe substance misuse and mental health issues will also be priority.
And under the Alignment of Services work stream, the aim will be to integrate and align delivery of services across Government Departments and Agencies and community services; adapt and implement the City Connects model; enhance community leadership and ensure the quality and uptake of early years childcare provision in the area.
ENDS
