Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for being present to take this matter. I am sure she is familiar with the background to the Dominick Street regeneration project. It is one of the flagship regeneration projects that has been promoted by Dublin City Council in recent years. It was recently dealt a hammer blow when the construction company that was in place declared itself no longer to be in a position to deliver the project. This has plunged the project into grave difficulty.

The Dominick Street regeneration project is located at the top of O'Connell Street in the city centre. The community there is a long-standing, vibrant and very proud one and its members have been making do in very difficult circumstances. The one ray of light for them in recent times was the fact the project finally received planning permission from An Bord Pleanála. The Dominick Street regeneration project had been plagued by two huge difficulties, namely, the lack of a lead developer and also the lack of planning permission. As a result of the fact that planning permission had never been granted, it was extremely difficult to attract a lead developer. Those who were interested in becoming involved with the project were never quite sure what they were going to be in a position to build.

I tabled this matter to urge the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to take the most active role possible in either facilitating or funding the facilitation of this project. The community in the Dominick Street area has put up with a huge number of difficulties and has done really well in such circumstances. Its members now finally have an idea with regard to how their physical environment might look in a few years time. I appeal to the Minister of State to ensure everything is done to give them the support they so badly need and really deserve. I anticipate what I hope will be a positive reply from her.

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