Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was asked about the priorities in terms of capital projects. The priorities are Fitzgibbon Street Garda station and Rutland Street school. With regard to Fitzgibbon Street Garda station, €3 million has been approved for enabling works and the Garda and the OPW continue to engage closely to finalise the details on the accommodation brief. A design team has been appointed and enabling works are expected to commence in the next couple of weeks. The process of selecting contractors will commence this month. On Rutland Street, following the completion of €200,000 survey work in 2017, a design team was appointed by the city council. That is at feasibility stage and work to explore design options. A process of engagement is under way with existing user groups to scope out space requirement for the new facility.

The city council is also engaging with the community and local councillors on the sale and redevelopment of the convent lands at the former Magdalen laundry on Sean McDermott Street. The proposed plans are for a hotel on the site as well as housing units, which could be designated for older people, and would bring much needed investment, footfall and local employment to the area. The council is also in discussions with groups on ensuring the development accommodates a suitable memorial to the Magdalen women. Ultimately, this will be a decision for the council, which will vote on whether to proceed.

I was asked about housing. I am informed a number of housing bodies, in partnership with the city council, are working to deliver four main regeneration schemes in the north-east inner city area. These are 80 units at a cost of €21 million to refurbish St. Mary's Mansions flat complex by Clúid Housing, and this project is now at demolition phase and will be completed in August next year; 72 units at Croke Villas, with the majority of works expected to be completed by the end of this year; 47 apartments by Circle Voluntary Housing Association, for which planning permission is expected at the end of this year with construction to be completed by the middle of 2021; and 29 older persons unit by Oaklee housing association, where works have already commenced on the site and the expected handover will be at the end of next year.

I was asked about student accommodation. Student accommodation is popping up all over the city, not just in the north-east inner city but also around the Tenters, Portobello and those parts of the city. On balance it is needed and on balance it is welcome, but I understand local residents have concerns. I remember when Trinity Hall was being extended in Dartry there were concerns from residents about too many students in the area, traffic, antisocial behaviour and various other issues. Ultimately it worked out well and no one in Dartry would like to see Trinity Hall removed. Those concerns can be overcome.

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