GOVERNMENT leaders have come under fire for re-hashing an “empty” plan to revitalise Dublin city centre with no funding or new actions.
The media were invited to a rare press conference with all three Government leaders today – a set piece usually only reserved for major announcements.
An ’empty’ plan to revitalise Dublin city centre has been blasted[/caption]
Simon Harris promised that the plan would be ‘backed by clear funding’[/caption]
Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Simon Harris and Minister Sean Canney teamed up to announce the backing of the capital city report to revamp Dublin.
Despite glowing speeches from all three leaders about the importance of our capital city, the announcement was void of details such as costings, hard timelines or new actions.
For example, crime is often cited as one of the main reasons why people are avoiding Dublin city centre.
Last year’s Dublin city taskforce recommended adding 1,000 more gardai to the capital.
Today’s announcement included no detail on how they will hit this target with the Taoiseach giving a loose commitment that it would be achieved within ten years but with no timelines for that roll-out.
The big plan also piggy backed on a series of building revamps that are already underway or announced including refurbs of the GPO, the Abbey Theatre, the Ambassador Theatre and the Fruit and Vegetable Market.
Derelict buildings in the city will be converted into high density accomodation for essential workers – a proposal also previously announced last year.
Despite Simon Harris promising that the plan would be “backed by clear funding” and Taoiseach Micheal Martin committing to “significant new public investments” – the announcement included zero numbers on how much money will be invested in the capital.
A spokesperson for the Taoiseach told the Irish Sun that there will be funding announced in the National Development Plan with immediate cash for the plan coming from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund – but with no details on how much.
The only concrete mention of funding for these changes came in the form of a commitment to “examine” the introduction of a tourist tax on hotel rooms which could raise between €4 million to €41 million and would be ring fenced for the city council.
The plan is also light on ways to help boost the number of people living in the city centre by increasing the number of properties to rent or buy in Dublin or make them more affordable.
Instead, it includes promises to “engage with local property owners” on dereliction and a commitment to “support the transformation for key vacant sites.”
The Irish Businesses Against Litter annual survey has regularly named Dublin’s north inner city as one of the dirtiest places in the country.
The report does include plans to tackle this by ensuring on-street bagged waste restrictions are put in place and 24 hour cleaning is brought in for the O’Connell Street area.
While the plan mentions re-energising the night time economy in Dublin, Taoiseach Micheal Martin today played down the chances of nightclubs being able to open until 6am as planned by the last Government.
SAME AGAIN
Former Justice Minister Helen McEntee had started work on modernising Ireland’s liquor laws to allow pubs open later and night clubs open until 6am.
Taoiseach Martin claimed that work is ongoing on this but refused to commit to allowing nightclubs open until 6am while Simon Harris said there are concerns about a city opening later without appropriate resources for policing or public transport.
Social Democrat TD Gary Gannon today blasted the Government for repeatedly re-hashing the Dublin taskforce plan but with no real commitments or cash to help revamp the city.
The Dublin Central TD said: “I thought after four press conferences and two years we would hear some detail but when I listened in I got a rehash of the same announcements that have been made three times already.
“There is absolutely nothing here. The city is in decline. It needs leadership.
“We thought that this is what that was going to be about but it just seems to be a useful press release for you.”
