Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for her input to this debate and the views she expressed. The north east inner city initiative was a unique approach to an extreme time of violence in the area. While much has been achieved, challenges remain. As I mentioned, the Government recognises that disadvantaged areas require new forms of assistance to help them prosper. That path lies in consolidating and integrating the State-funded and sponsored interventions already under way in these areas and making sure they are responsive to the real needs of our local communities. In addition, I think we can all agree on and welcome the focus that has been brought by the Taoiseach and the Government to bring measures forward that will rejuvenate our capital’s city centre, both north and south. As previously stated, the goal is to make the whole of Dublin city centre a more thriving, attractive and safe cityscape for people not only to visit but also to work in, live in and enjoy.

I think we can also agree on the value that David McRedmond, CEO of An Post, will bring to the role as independent chair of the task force. Over the next 12 weeks, Mr. McRedmond will lend his wealth of insights and experience as the task force carries out its work. However, that task force is only at the beginning. At the end of July, the task force will submit, for the Government’s consideration, a cohesive and focused list of recommendations it believes could galvanise actions in Dublin city centre to be the vibrant destination we know it to be.