Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Many people are concerned and anxious that this initiative is more about giving the appearance of doing something than being a step change in engagement with the local community. To a certain extent, we have seen evidence of planned-for spending being repackaged and the main reports have been delayed.

I wish to address two aspects. First, the one consistent demand from the community has been for the development of a new community facility in the old Rutland Street school buildings. It is an historic location and its development would be symbolic of faith in the long-term spirit of the community, yet Dublin City Council has announced that the likely cost is too high. Will the Taoiseach agree to step in and ensure that the project can go ahead?

Second, many areas need systematic planning and support. It should not require high-profile murders before the State pays attention. In 2011, the Taoiseach abolished the role of the Minister of State for local development and the Government got rid of the many area-based schemes targeted at the most disadvantaged communities. The schemes had an excellent record and delivered substantial improvements. When I met the local community, the constant criticism was that many of the community supports that it had enjoyed for more than a decade had been whittled away in recent years. That was a mistake and the community suffered as a result. In particular, the RAPID programme has been undermined. There was much behind it. It was a yardstick by which Government investment was allocated. It should be properly restored nationally.

Will the Taoiseach assure the House that none of the funding for the inner city allocations will come from reducing allocations to other areas of the city?

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