Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chairman for the opportunity to raise with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the urgent need to address the concerns regarding the wall height at the proposed flood defence project between the Wooden Bridge and Causeway Road in Dublin 3.

Last Wednesday night at 7.30 p.m. in Clontarf Castle hotel, more than 600 people attended a public meeting on the proposed wall planned for near St. Anne's Park and overlooking Dublin Bay. The high turnout highlighted the anger over any attempt to damage a public amenity. I called the meeting to hear the views on the proposed flood defence wall. There was never any agreement with local residents, local businesses or the joint working groups on the wall height, which is why there are major concerns. The project was originally billed as a cycleway and assurances were given for a minor wall. I am opposed to the current wall and its design. It destroys a major public amenity and damages the scenic view of Dublin Bay and Bull Island.

Dublin Bay is protected by nine special areas of conservation. Why is there no aesthetic finish to this wall? Thousands of people enjoy this environment each day. Why would anyone want to damage such scenic beauty? It seems to be a continuous battle to get Dublin City Council to realise the importance of Dublin Bay. There seems to be a cultural view that concrete is the answer to everything. Dublin City Council has a record of some bad decisions as a result of not listening to the people. Is Dublin City Council concerned about its future working relationship with the joint working group or in respect of progressing flood defence work on this and future promenade projects? A commitment was given by senior engineers that the wall would be no higher than the stone wall leading to the Wooden Bridge. Why was this commitment not adhered to? The local independent councillor, Damian O'Farrell, had motions agreed by Dublin City Council that called on the council to preserve the amenity and protect the environment in any future flood defence plan. Why was this ignored?

I have worked on Dublin Bay matters previously over the duration of my political career. I was honoured to be endorsed by the late great Seán Dublin Bay Loftus. That tradition goes on. I am well aware of the position Dublin Bay and Bull Island hold in our community. Either one or the other is designated as a UNESCO biosphere, a nature reserve, a special protection area under the EU birds directive or a special area of conservation. I will be damned if I let anything happen to this local and national amenity.

Another important aspect relates to how no consideration was given to the wheelchair-bound population, although both the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Central Remedial Clinic are based in Clontarf. At our meeting on Wednesday night, a young wheelchair-bound man made a poignant remark to the effect that while the able-bodied might have some chance of seeing over the wall, no consideration was given to wheelchair users who would never have that ability.

The day after our public meeting I attended a meeting in City Hall with the city manager, officials, engineers and councillors. Councillor Damian O'Farrell and I put the views of the local residents on the wall and Dublin Bay. Councillor O'Farrell succeeded in getting a special city council meeting tomorrow at 6.15 p.m. All I ask is for the Minister, the city manager and senior officials to listen to the views of the local residents and have sensible flood defence measures that protect local people but also enhance beautiful Dublin Bay.

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