Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In 2019 my Department is providing €6.5 million towards the regeneration of the Dublin's north-east inner city. This investment will benefit not only the local community but the city as a whole. It shows the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the recommendations of the Mulvey report are implemented.

The funding provided by my Department supports initiatives which are put forward by the Dublin north-east inner city implementation board, with the required oversight provided through Cabinet committee B. Some of the funded initiatives help families affected by addiction issues and drug-related intimidation, while others cover physical improvements to the Dublin's north-east inner city area. The investment also funds a pilot social employment scheme for 50 staff to work with childcare, youth work, care of the elderly and other projects. It is hoped that the experience from this pilot scheme will inform the development of similar initiatives in other urban areas over the coming years, as additional resources become available. Work is also under way to examine the effectiveness of the Government's investment to date.

Outside Dublin's north-east inner city, there are many examples of disadvantaged communities benefiting from significant investment from my Department. For example, last year I provided €13 million under the community enhancement programme to help groups across the country to improve facilities in disadvantaged areas. Last week I launched the 2019 programme with funding of €4.5 million. My Department also funds the social inclusion and community activation programme, SICAP, a five-year €190 million national programme, delivered locally, to help those in the greatest need.

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