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DUBLIN’S SHERIFF STREET area is set to get a facelift and be “rebranded”.
As part of the government’s new initiative to boost the Dublin’s north inner city, the area is to get a €5 million funding injection.
A report, drafted by Kieran Mulvey, formerly of the Workplace Relations Commission, aims to turn the area, which is just a stone’s throw from some of the multi-national banks and businesses in the IFSC, from a “run down, no-go” area to a “modern and attractive” place for people to work and live.
What’s in the plan?
There are commitments for there to be no signs of dereliction, with good street lighting, trees and greenery.
In order to achieve this, calls for establishing a ‘Docklands Tax’ appear to have made some impact.
Novel ways to eradicate derelict sites are to be explored, including the possibility of a levy on unused sites in the area, as well as dedicated contributions from Nama, IFSC businesses and the Central Bank (which is due to open in the region soon).
A combined contribution of €10 million over a three-year period to a “renewal fund” would revitalise the urban landscape, said Mulvey.
While there are calls for more social housing in the area, the report highlights five areas for large-scale infrastructure investment:
Big refurbishment plans
Mountjoy Square Park is one of five historic Georgian squares in Dublin, and the report’s author calls for it to be restored to its original design.
Aldborough House, the second largest private residence built in the 18th century in Georgian Dublin, outside of Leinster House, is now in private ownership.
Mulvey states there are plans to refurbish the iconic building, however he said if this is not achieved, consideration should be given for it to be acquired by government.
New pedestrian cycle and transport routes are to be developed, with a push to get businesses to locate in the area.
The report finds there is a deep sense among locals of being “left behind” during the Celtic Tiger period, with a lot of “false promises” made.
Councillor Éilis Ryan criticised the report and said the focus of “narrative changing” is deeply disappointing.
Job opportunities in the area
She said jobs and the inequality those living in the area face should be the focus.
During the launch of the report this week, a local man told Taoiseach Enda Kenny about the discrimination he faced living in the area, particularly when applying for a job.
Kenny said the report highlights the need to break the cycle of unemployment by ensuring the large multinationals located in the area give back.
He said corporate social responsibility efforts need to be made, whereby targeted career pathways are offered to post-primary students in the area.
Above all, Mulvey said locals need to feel the north inner city is an important part of the capital.
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I see quite a lot of bumblebees on my tomatoes. No drop in activity or numbers.
@Pat Patovic: nothing more scientifically sound than antidotal evidence.
@DaisyMay: it was the antidotal that saved her.
@Pat Patovic: agree I never had as many in my garden
@DaisyMay: Yeah right. Everything Journal ever published or everything you read on the internet is the holy grail of truth.
I just offered my own experience and you can hardly dispute it as I do not recall seeing you in my garden ever.
It’s really strange because I thought it was a bumper year for bees, have seen loads of them this year, a real improvement on the last few summers.
@edelno5 .: Dead right, It’s years since I’ve seen so many!
@edelno5 .: Maybe we see them more as they are busy in a struggle to survive. I’ve seen lots more than normal too. I was watching a really tiny bumble bee the other day. I’ve never seen one that small.
So they will be fine if we don’t get the same weather next year. Well, I guess that would fall under the whole climate change thing. Green Ireland now!
The theory of “Redundancy Hypothesis could relate to our politicians too. A diversity of species can help it become more resilient, because it isn’t overly reliant on a single species. A change is as good as a rest. The bees, TDs and Michael D take note.
This reads like a prediction rather than the result of any formal survey which isn’t cited. I have seen a multitude of both bumblebees and solitary bees this summer throughout the country. It’s their natural habitat which is under threat especially with the greater destruction of hedgerows allowed under FG Heritage Bill.
Bees > Humans
We are f/(ked
Well done Irish Water, your hose pip ban causing the death of the bumble bee which is vital for food production. Fix the leaks build reservoirs, we need to water the flowers, someone think of the bees.
If the bee’s go we go, which isn’t a bad thing when you think of all the journal commentators gone forever. Paradise :)
Yer wreckin me buzz.
What about the bankers and irish water…
@Anto Whelan: if there any good at the auld pollen I say let them roam wild and free.
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