NORTH EAST INNER CITY ACTION PLAN
Dublin City Council has, in recent months, been developing a specific action plan for the North East Inner City. This work follows on from engagement between local Councillors and officials and the Planning Department of the Council to identify and undertake a series of practical measures which can be taken to address the environmental and public realm issues in parts of the North East Inner City. A pilot scheme has been identified and the area extends from Eden Quay, north to Parnell Street, and from O’Connell Street eastward to Amiens Street, Buckingham Street Lower. Since the pilot programme was established, actions have been implemented:
- To address the anti-social behaviour at Liberty Park and the IDA site at Gloucester Place.
- Liaising with the Abbey Theatre to improve the front of the building and environs.
- Undertaking community development initiatives, for example, liaising with the Cavan Centre to deliver an environmental training programme for youth workers.
- Parks Department reviewing tree survey to establish what if any more tree planting is appropriate within the targeted area.
- Collation of information in relation to unauthorised advertising and vacant sites and engaging with the Planning Department on enforcement actions.
The development and implementation of this action plan is a welcome and I will be working with Councillor McAdam and Council officials to further enhance the North East Inner City.
DRAFT DUBLIN CITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2016 – 2022
The Dublin City Development Plan contains the vision and overall strategy for future planning and sustainable development within the city over the next six years. The existing Development Plan expires next year and the City Council in currently preparing a new plan. Your City Councillors recently approved the draft plan for the consideration of the public. This consultation phase began on October 1st and will continue until Friday December 11th. During that time you will have the opportunity to have your say on issues from the maximum height of developments to the density of developments to the provision of educational, recreational and other facilities and amenities. Further details of what is included in the draft Plan can be found at www.dublincitydevelopmentplan.ie. Both Councillor McAdam and I would be eager to get your views on the draft Plan so please email paschal.donohoe@oir.ie with your feedback.
EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR ALEXANDER BASIN PROJECT
Following a recent meeting with the Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Jonathan Taylor to discuss Ireland’s long-term infrastructure development plans, it was confirmed that the EIB will provide €100m in part-funding for the Alexander Basin project. The commitment of funding by the EIB represents the first time in its history of financing port infrastructure development in Ireland. It also highlights the strategic significance of the project, which has already received planning approval by An Bord Pleanala. Dublin Port has a strategic role in supporting our economic recovery and facilitating future growth. This project will have a hugely beneficial impact on not only the north east inner city but also the entire city.
DART UNDERGROUND
I announced at the end of September that the current Dart Underground tunnel which received planning permission from An Bord Pleanala in 2011, will not proceed. Other aspects of the Dart Expansion plan will happen including the upgrading of signalling works to enable the Phoenix Park tunnel to re-open as well as the electrification of the rail-line to Balbriggan. The Railway Order that was approved by the Board has now expired and therefore no tunnelling works will take place for this tunnel as a result of this decision.
EASTLINK FUNDING FOR DOCKLANDS
As your local T.D., I am delighted to let you know that more than €62,000 has been allocated to community groups and projects across the Docklands. This money has been made available to the Community Development Section of the City Council through proceeds generated from the East Link toll bridge. Dublin City Council annually receives a payment from East Link LTD to be awarded to community projects in the Docklands area. In excess of €61,000 was received by the Council for 2015 and has been divided between groups and projects across East Wall, North Wall and the North Strand. This allocation of funding was formally agreed by the full City Council last month.
ROYAL CANAL GREENWAY – PLANNING UPDATE
The public consultation aspect of the Royal Canal Greenway planning application concluded at the end of July. In the interim, the Planning Department of Dublin City Council has been considering the large number of submissions made by the public. Officials are meeting local Councillors later this month to discuss various recommendations that will be presented to the December City Council meeting. The recommendations refer to:
- The finishing materials for all surfaces and landscaping elements of the project.
- The provision of street furniture and boundary fencing.
- Measures relating Conservation, Drainage and Archaeological matters raised.
- Engagement with Inland Fisheries, Irish Rail and other agencies.
If you would like to receive a copy of the Chief Executive’s report on the public submissions, please email me at paschal.donohoe@oir.ie. Alternatively, if you have any questions or queries about the project, do not hesitate to contact me further.