Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Members for their contributions and comments on the various Stages of this important legislation and for taking the time to speak on the Bill, which will lead to the dissolution of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority and the transfer of its functions to Dublin City Council. It is difficult to overstate the importance of docklands in the economic recovery of our capital and the nation as a whole. Already, applications for major developments have been received under the SDZ for the docklands and the future development of the remaining docklands area will see an integrative approach which is aligned with the Dublin city development plan 2016-22.

It is pivotal that the future strategic development of all aspects of the docklands is led by Dublin City Council and that the development is executed in a manner that is sympathetic to the overall planning parameters of the city. The commitment of Dublin City Council to the area can be gauged from the establishment of a dedicated docklands unit within Dublin City Council which is fully resourced, with access to personnel across a diverse range of skills and disciplines. In order to ensure a smooth transition during this time, those personnel have already been engaged in managing the wind-down of the authority leading up to the dissolution and will continue to be so for many years to come.

Under the DDDA, the voices and concerns of residents, business interests and agencies with an involvement in docklands were channelled via the Docklands Council to the authority. It was essential that, post-dissolution, those voices would continue to contribute to the future shaping of their environment. Provision was made in the Bill for a Docklands Consultative Forum as a successor to the Docklands Council. On Committee Stage, I was made aware by Deputies of concerns that this forum might not have had adequate scope to allow for the desired level of input by the community. I am pleased to say I have amended the Bill accordingly. The forum will now be known as the Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum and, furthermore, its annual report will be laid before the houses of the Oireachtas for the scrutiny of Members.

One of the other concerns raised during this process related to a perceived failure to nurture and preserve the rich heritage of docklands. This heritage, reflecting its industrial, maritime and trading past, can be seen through a variety of organisations and societies dedicated to these aspects of the area. Prompted by those concerns, the docklands unit of Dublin City Council is currently concluding a heritage audit, with the valued input of such diverse bodies as Dublin Port, Waterways Ireland, St. Andrew's Family Resource Centre, East Wall Historical Society and the Dublin Dock Workers Preservation Society, among others.

When complete, this audit will inform best practice on the preservation of the rich heritage of the docklands and its presentation to a wider public. As we close one chapter in the history of the docklands, I am confident the next one will reflect a period of further development of an integrated and prosperous community as part of the wider city plan for future years.

I thank Members for their contributions on the various Stages of this important legislation. I acknowledge, in particular, the valuable contribution of Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan on Committee Stage. This legislation will ensure the continuity of the economic development of a vital part of Dublin and the country. As responsibility for the management of the area moves into the hands of Dublin City Council, it is important that it engage deeply with the various organisations and community representatives, in particular. They reside in the area and have most interest in its beneficial development. It is vital that Dublin City Council continue this engagement in a positive fashion.

I thank my officials for the preparation and work put into the Bill. In the next few years it will lead to the positive regeneration of an area of the capital city which will benefit society, the economy and, most importantly, the community living in and around it.

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