Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I move amendment No. 2:

In page 6, to delete lines 4 to 6 and substitute the following:

"'Grangegorman neighbourhood' has the meaning assigned to it by section 4,".

A map has been circulated which is relevant to the amendments being discussed and might be of help to Deputies.

The development of the Grangegorman site is of great importance to all Dublin. I accept the reservations expressed on Committee Stage regarding the proportionate interest of those living in proximity to the site as compared with those living in other parts of the city. Amendments Nos. 2, 7 and 90 to the definition of the Grangegorman neighbourhood are designed to reflect these views.

The neighbourhood now consists of eight electoral wards: Arran Quay, wards A to E, inclusive, Inns Quay, wards B and C, and Cabra east, ward C. The location of the Dublin Institute of Technology in this area will greatly enhance not only education and training, which underpin economic activity within the surrounding area, but will also enhance access opportunities, extend cultural facilities, provide for recreational and sporting facilities and the rebuilding and developing of large areas of dereliction, and create direct and indirect employment opportunities. Therefore, in drawing up the amendment, I have sought to reach a balance that will provide access to residents in those areas most likely to be affected and to benefit from the project.

Amendments Nos. 3 and 4 are restrictive and would result in large areas in this part of the city being excluded from having a say in a project that would be of direct benefit to them socially, recreationally, economically and in terms of educational inclusion. I do not propose to accept amendments Nos. 3 and 4.

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