Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for that reply, which has many positive aspects. The Phoenix Park is an amazing facility and amenity. It is 350 years old and is larger than Central Park in New York.

There is a railway line underneath it, linked with a series of tunnels and a station. It also contains Viking burial sites, the Magazine Fort, the remains of a 5,500 year old neolithic village and the Wellington monument, which has the odd distinction of being Europe's largest phallic symbol, not to mention the wildlife, birds, flora and fauna, and a cricket club which was founded by Parnell's father. When we consider the use made of the Phoenix Park, it can be regarded as a world heritage site in itself. Even if Dublin is not awarded world heritage status, a case can be made for the park. Issues arise in regard to unregulated parking in the park and safety for pedestrians in certain areas but these could be addressed without doing serious damage to the park or undermining free access to it.

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