Mr. Paul Dunne:

I thank the Chairman and committee members for inviting the Department to present on the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (dissolution) Bill. On 4 March the Government approved the general scheme of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (Dissolution) Bill. I expect drafting of the Bill to get under way shortly. The Bill is a stand-alone piece of legislation which aims to provide the necessary legal arrangements for all aspects of the dissolution of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, DDDA; to ensure continued local community and business sector involvement in docklands regeneration through the docklands consultative forum; to provide for the transfer of certain responsibilities, rights and liabilities, primarily to Dublin City Council, as a consequence of the dissolution; and to provide certainty regarding the planning and development framework in the docklands area.

The Bill is a key component of the overall wind-up process for the DDDA. This process was commenced in May 2012 when the Government decided the DDDA was to be wound up. Since then the authority has engaged in an orderly wind-up process, supported by the Department. As the committee has heard, Dublin City Council is supporting the authority on a practical level during this transitional period. The committee has heard details of these ongoing arrangements and the future arrangements to be put in place in Dublin City Council. The Department is supportive of the work being carried out by Dublin City Council in this regard and fully supports its role in leading the future generation of the docklands.

The docklands are recognised by all as a very important part of the capital city and a key driver of the local and national economy. The purpose of the Bill is to ensure that the right environment for this unique area is maintained so it will continue to be a key driver. The Bill provides the necessary legal certainty for the completion of the DDDA wind-up process and its transition to Dublin City Council. It is the final part of an orderly sequence of events following the Government's announcement in May 2012. It puts in place a clear pathway for the continued involvement of the local community and business sector in the future of the docklands project. It resolves some planning issues which have resulted in unfinished buildings and impacted greatly on the lives of everybody in the docklands, in particular local residents.

An Bord Pleanála recently approved the docklands strategic development zone, SDZ. The SDZ will put in place an appropriate and sustainable planning framework for the docklands area. It is important that the provisions in the Bill which deal with the legacy issues surrounding unfinished developments are given legal effect as soon as possible.

As detailed drafting of the Bill proceeds I expect the proposals will be refined, including on foot of further legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General. The Minister will also consider any views of the committee arising out of its consideration of the Bill. I expect drafting of the text of the Bill by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel will get under way shortly.

I am happy to take any questions the committee may have.