Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)

I acknowledge the positive aspects of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, including the educational scholarships and other supports provided for communities on the north and south sides of the River Liffey. While the East Wall district received funding for a community centre, people in the North Wall district, the parish of St. Laurence O'Toole, would respond differently because their district was left without the school it was promised by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority. On the other hand, the south side of the River Liffey was not left with the monstrous memorial to the excesses of the Celtic tiger on the North Wall quay, namely, the building that was intended to house Anglo Irish Bank's headquarters. The docklands community had to fight hard for everything it received.

I note the Minister of State did not once refer to the local communities which made up the docklands area, which took second place to speculators and developers at times. Although there are seven places for community representatives on the council, only five of them have been filled as two long-serving community members have not been reappointed. What is the position on these appointments? Representatives of the south side hold three of the five community places, while the north side has only two representatives. The decision to allocate only one place for a community representative on the board must be addressed. I ask the Minister of State to bring these issues to the attention of the Minister.

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