Jim Gavin steps down as chair of Dublin inner city taskforce

Eva Osborne

Jim Gavin has stepped down as chair of Dublin's North East Inner City Taskforce.

The former Fianna Fáil presidential candidate was appointed to the role in 2023.

The North East Inner City Taskforce was set up a decade ago, following a spate of violent crimes in the area.

The government appointed former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin as independent chair of the implementation board in May 2023.

However, members of the board and city councillors have been informed Mr Gavin is "no longer serving as chair".

It followed speculation over whether he would return to the role following his dramatic exit from the presidential election campaign last October.

Liz Canavan, assistant general secretary of the Department of the Taoiseach, has been appointed to lead the taskforce on an interim basis.

In a statement, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam, said: "First and foremost, I want to thank Jim Gavin for his public service and for the leadership he brought to the North East Inner City Initiative during his term as chair.

"Since it was established by Enda Kenny’s Government in 2016, the NEIC has proven how effective joined-up action can be, turning plans into delivery for local communities. That’s exactly why a new, hands-on chair must be appointed quickly.

"As Lord Mayor, I will be seeking an early meeting with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to secure a clear timeframe for the appointment, protect momentum, and drive implementation of the NEIC Strategic Plan 2024–2027."