Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 13 May 2014

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht

General Scheme of Dublin Docklands Development Authority (Dissolution) Bill 2014: Discussion

2:40 pm

Photo of Kevin HumphreysKevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Keegan's reply gives rise to a degree of concern on my part. In my opinion, the docklands area is probably going to drive development within the city during the next five years. There must be a structure put in place to deal with the part of the area on the north side and those on the south side. The current structure involves two distinct area committees. What structure does the city council intend to put in place? Will it be a one-stop-shop? There is going to be a strategic development zone, SDZ, in respect of the docklands area and this will straddle the River Liffey. How will this fit into the structures of the city council? There is a great deal of money to be invested in infrastructure within the docklands and there will be levies. Will the money obtained via those levies disappear into Dublin City Council's general pot? I am not stating that the docklands should gain at the expense of the remainder of the city. At present, however, FDI companies are looking to establish operations in that area. I am seeking from Mr. Keegan some form of reassurance to the effect that Dublin City Council has the drive and ambition necessary in respect of the docklands in the context of FDI companies and local communities. I am of the view that social generation, in the true sense, must happen within the city. I would be worried if the docklands area is just going to be treated in the same way as Temple Bar and other areas.

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