Since I declared my intention to respond to the challenges facing the people of the North East Inner City Dublin earlier this year, I have been involved in a number of meetings involving relevant Ministers, public representatives, community groups and local residents. I subsequently launched a major initiative for the area on 20 July with the establishment of a Ministerial Taskforce to oversee the long-term social and economic regeneration of the area.
To support the work of the Ministerial Taskforce, which I Chair, Mr Kieran Mulvey has been appointed to engage with the local community groups, representatives and other interests, and to report back with specific recommendations.
A number of immediate measures were also announced to help the community address some of the immediate challenges facing it.
The Ministerial Taskforce met recently on 15 September and was briefed by Mr Mulvey on his work to date which has mainly involved many meetings with people in the area, including community groups, residents, businesses, public representatives, educational institutions and public agencies. He will continue his programme of meetings and has invited short submissions to bemade by individuals or groups to him over the coming weeks. He remains on track to submit his report by end-November.
The membership of the Ministerial Taskforce is:
Taoiseach (Chair)
Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality
Minister for Education and Skills
Minister for Social Protection
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal
Minister of State for Communities and National Drugs Strategy
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport
Minister of State for Disability Issues