Costello welcomes commitment for a North Inner City task force
I welcome the fact the government has responded positively to Labour Party Leader Brendan Howlin’s call at Leaders Questions on the urgent need to establish a robust task force dedicated to tackling crime and deprivation in Dublin’s North Inner City.
Last week myself and Brendan Howlin met with community leaders in the North Inner City to hear first-hand the damaging effect the recent spiral in gangland violence is having in the area.
It is essential the task force carries real weight and has a cross government department approach in tackling the root causes of crime and deprivation. It must include representation from the North Inner City community. The people who understand most the problems in the area are the people who live and work in the community.
There must also be a strong international focus towards tackling crime in the North Inner City. I recently called for an international version of CAB to be formed to confront the transnational nature of modern day organised crime.
I have represented the North Inner City for over 25 years. It is a fantastic and resilient neighbourhood. The task force has potential to deliver real long-lasting change for the community. The people of the North Inner City need it to be effective in order to overcome the rise of gangland violence.