Jen Cummins

Overall sentiment: -0.31
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A new report revealed today the depths of disadvantage in Dublin's south-west inner city, where I live. On every metric, the area and its residents are being failed. There is a disproportionate disadvantage when it comes to deprivation and crime, low educational attainment and a chronic lack of sporting facilities, which I have spoken about several times in this Chamber. There are also very stark findings with regard to drug deaths and the crime rate, which is twice the national average. It is really shocking it is laid out in black and white. I see it every day but it is shocking when it is written out in a report. It is also infuriating. There is a lot of money in this country, but how we choose to spend it is really important. The only real investment that has happened over the lifetime of the Government is investment in private student accommodation, build-to-rent apartments and hotels for tourists. That does not help anyone living there. What I really want to know is if it is possible to have the same sort of thing that happens in the north-east inner city for the south inner city? They mirror one another incredibly, and that is my question.

Sentiment score: -0.31