The Government has appointed John Fitzgerald, former Dublin city manager and a native of Co Limerick, to lead an initiative to address social exclusion, crime and disorder issues in Moyross, Limerick.
Mr Fitzgerald has been asked to work with existing agencies and community groups to identify immediate actions which can be implemented in Moyross; in particular seeking to overcome any blockages that might exist to delivering local solutions.
He has also been asked to bring forward suggestions about the regeneration of Moyross and other disadvantaged areas of Limerick in the context of the wider strategic development of the Limerick/Shannon Gateway.
Mr Fitzgerald will report back regularly to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion on the progress being made.
The Government in a statement said that it had identified a large number of community-based initiatives already in place in Moyross.
"However, despite these interventions it is clear that significant problems associated with social exclusion, crime and disorder continue for the Moyross area and its residents.
"For this reason, the Government feels it appropriate to ask Mr Fitzgerald to examine the situation in order to see what can be done to overcome these problems."
The two ministers from Limerick, Willie O'Dea and Tim O'Malley, welcomed the appointment of Mr Fitzgerald.
Minister for Defence Mr O'Dea said he was confident Moyross could be turned around in a short space of time by the Government's major plan to address social exclusion, crime and disorder.
"Today the Moyross community has the chance of a new beginning. The Government knows the problems that are there. I vow to ensure that John Fitzgerald and the task force are given every resource available to do their job. They will, in consultation with the local community, decide what needs to be done and I know, they will get it done," said Mr O'Dea.
Mr O'Malley, a minister of state, said Mr Fitzgerald was enormously respected and would have the clout to drive through an effective programme of regeneration. "He is the kind of man who will get things done and let there be no doubt that this Government has the political will to tackle the acute social problems that exist in Moyross," he said.
Local councillor John Gilligan, said that Moyross needed a short- term fix in terms of security, so that people could feel safe in their homes, but it also required long-term solutions such as infrastructural improvements.
