Minister Catherine Byrne welcomes publication of scoping report on Inchicore and Kilmainham

Fine Gael TD for Dublin South Central and Minister of State at the Department of Health, Catherine Byrne, has welcomed the publication of the final scoping report on Inchicore and Kilmainham by retired Assistant Garda Commissioner, Dr Jack Nolan.

This report was commissioned last February by Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Damien English, following concerns raised by Minister Byrne in relation to a lack of investment and planning in the local area, and high levels of social and economic disadvantage, crime and anti-social behaviour.

Dr Nolan has presented his report entitled; “Building a Sustainable Community in Inchicore and Kilmainham”, to the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Minister of State Catherine Byrne and Minister of State Damien English. It provides a detailed analysis of the local community, identifying challenges and highlighting the strengths and future potential of the area.

The report makes 9 key recommendations which together would form the basis of a strategic action plan for the area.

Minister Catherine Byrne said: “I welcome this report and commend Dr Jack Nolan for his work and commitment to this project. He conducted detailed independent research and consulted with a large number of departments, agencies, and stakeholders. Crucially, he also met with local residents to listen to their views and identify their concerns and hopes for the community where they live.

“Dr Nolan’s recommendations offer real opportunities to create a viable and sustainable community in Inchicore and Kilmainham which have suffered from a lack of investment and planning for many years.

“I believe this report provides a roadmap for the future and is an important first step to developing a strategic action plan for Kilmainham and Inchicore, focused on the economic and social regeneration of the area.

“As the local Government TD, I am committed to working with my Government colleagues, in partnership with the relevant agencies including the local authority, to progress this plan. The views and involvement of the local community in this process are key to its success. I therefore plan to hold an open information meeting with Minister English in Inchicore later this month, where Dr Nolan will make a presentation on his findings and recommendations”, concluded Minister Byrne.