FUTURE OF DUBLIN DOCKLANDS

6th October, 2012

As you maybe aware, the Government decided earlier this year to begin the process of formally winding up the Dublin Docklands Development Authority.  This decision was taken on foot of the Comptroller & Auditor General’s Office Special Report into Corporate Governance matters within the Authority as well as the precarious financial situation the DDDA currently finds itself in.  The decision to wind-up the Authority also included a commitment to ensure that the social regeneration of the Docklands area is continued.

 

To ensure that this objective is achieved, the existing Master Plan for the Docklands will be reviewed.  A recommendation has been submitted by the transitional board headed up by the City Manager, Mr. John Tierney, to Minister Hogan suggesting that a Strategic Development zone be designated for the North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock areas.  The preparation of such a planning scheme for these two parts of Docklands would see the Government’s requirement for a ‘fast-track’ planning procedure to be implemented.  Similar schemes have been drawn up and approved in Abbotstown and most recently in Grangegorman for the new DIT campus to be built.

 

Should the Government decide to proceed in this manner, there will be an opportunity for residents to be fully involved in developing a planning scheme that is in the best interests of the various communities of the Docklands.  Councillor Ray McAdam and I will keep you updated of progress in respect of this matter.  To ensure that you have more information on the proposals put forward by the City Manager, I have enclosed a copy of his letter and accompanying documentation sent to Phil Hogan TD, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.  If you have any questions or queries arising from the information attached, please get in touch with me and I’ll do my best to answer any enquiries that you may have.