2024 Progress Report and Strategic Plan 2024-2027 Launch

On Tuesday 18th March, Taoiseach Micheál Martin joined Jim Gavin, Independent Chairperson of the North East Inner City (NEIC) Programme Implementation Board, and Minister Paschal Donohoe, to launch the North East Inner City Initiative’s 2024 Progress Report and Strategic Plan 2024-2027. 

Since 2016, the Government has committed over €53 million in funding to support the NEIC Initiative which has been working to improve the lives of residents and community members in Dublin’s North East Inner City. 

This is the eighth Progress Report on the NEIC Initiative, and it outlines the extensive body of work undertaken by the Programme Implementation Board in 2024. The Programme Implementation Board works closely with a range of stakeholders including An Garda Síochána, the Local Community Safety Partnership, relevant Government Departments, State Agencies, local businesses and local community representatives to create a vibrant and safe environment in the North East Inner City.

Building on the Mulvey Report, the North East Inner City Initiative has developed and launched their second Strategic Plan which covers the period 2024 - 2027.  The Plan realigns the Initiative’s strategic priorities for the next three years and reflects inputs from an extensive community engagement process.

Speaking at Saint Laurence O’Toole Recreation Centre on Sheriff Street, the Taoiseach remarked: 

“I am delighted to officially launch the North East Inner City Initiative’s Annual Report for 2024 and new Strategic Plan 2024 – 2027.  This report highlights some of the key impacts that NEIC-driven projects are having in the area and wider, particularly in the area of education. City Connects is a prime example of how a successful pilot programme launched in the North East Inner City can influence national policy. Education is the great leveler and this important programme is helping to ensure that students receive the services and resources they need to thrive and reach their potential. Significant progress was also achieved in the P-TECH Programme introduced into NEIC schools in 2019. In April, we saw the first cohort of graduates receive their special purpose awards and in September we saw the roll out of the P-TECH education progression option, which provides students with a stepped pathway into higher education."

The Taoiseach also remarked on the new Strategic Plan for the North East Inner City:

"All of the progress made to date has built a strong foundation for the newly developed Strategic Plan for the North East Inner City Initiative for the next three years.  I know Jim and the Board will continue to work collaboratively with the community and its representatives, local businesses, Government Departments and Agencies to achieve the goals set out in the Strategic Plan." 

Speaking at the launch, Jim Gavin, Independent Chairperson of the NEIC Initiative stated: 

"I am delighted the Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister Paschal Donohoe could be with us here today to launch the NEIC Initiative’s 2024 Progress Report.   I believe the Report showcases the Programme Implementation Board’s continued efforts to drive change in the North East Inner City across areas including safety, education, employment, supporting families, community wellbeing, and health.      

We have also officially launched our Strategic Plan 2024 – 2027 which sets ambitious targets to help resolve the challenges that remain for the area.  It clearly demonstrates the Board’s commitment to work with all stakeholders to drive and deliver projects with clear direction and purpose to create a brighter future for all.  

The board continues to work to empower the community and local businesses to achieve our shared vision for the area. In developing the strategy, their voice, opinions, and suggestions helped to create and shape this new strategy and demonstrates the strong community spirit that exist here in the North East Inner City."

Speaking at Tuesday's launch, Minister Donohoe noted: 

"It’s great to be here in St. Laurence O’Toole’s Recreation Centre with the Taoiseach, Independent Chair of the NEIC Initiative Jim Gavin and the community this afternoon as we showcase the achievements of last year and look to the future with the Strategic Plan 2024 – 2027.

The development of the 0-5 Multi-Disciplinary Team was a standout achievement for me. This is vital work which supports children and their parents, from pregnancy to age 5. The continued support of major community events such as the Big Scream Festival, Swellfest and the inaugural Christmas at Diamond Park also really showcase how the whole community comes together and celebrates together."