Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Power for raising this matter, which I am answering on behalf of my colleague, the Minister.

The Dublin Docklands Development Authority, DDDA, was established pursuant to the Dublin Docklands Development Authority Act 1997 with a statutory mandate to secure the social and economic regeneration of the docklands on a sustainable basis and improvements in its physical environment. As a result of the economic downturn and, in particular, the distressed state of the property market, the DDDA's financial position has been under significant strain in recent years. On 29 May 2012, the Government decided that the authority would be wound up. Since this decision, the DDDA has been proceeding with an orderly wind-up process.

One of the Minister's key legislative priorities this year is the publication of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (dissolution) Bill.This Bill will ensure that all of the issues pertaining to the dissolution and wind up of the DDDA, particularly in respect of certain complex planning matters, are fully dealt with. The Bill will reaffirm the Government's commitment to the key objectives in relation to the docklands area. In particular, the Government is committed to: maintaining and enhancing the docklands' brand and international marketability as an attractive and prime location for investment and high value development; providing for an appropriate set of fast-track planning procedures; continuing to involve the local community and business sector in the regeneration project; and facilitating job creation.

While section 34 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides that a planning application may be granted subject to a condition relating to the allocation of jobs locally, such conditions would not be considered appropriate in this context. However, other actions are under way in the Docklands to underpin the Government's commitment to the development of a local employment and enterprise strategy. Specific objectives are included in the planning scheme for the North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock strategic development zone to underpin liaison with agencies and organisations working in the docklands to maximise educational opportunities, support employment for local residents and co­ordinate activities to maximise employment, volunteer and training opportunities for residents of all ages in the area. A dedicated docklands office within Dublin City Council will be adequately resourced to lead the regeneration of the area into the future. This office has initiated contact with local employment services, community training workshops, resource centres and other relevant stakeholders to commence discussions on how best to develop a strategy to maximise the opportunities of local employment. Docklands residential and business communities have been centrally involved in the regeneration programme, particularly through their membership of the docklands council, which was set up under the Dublin Docklands Development Authority Act 1997. This council will be replaced by a new docklands consultative forum through which the voices of the docklands communities will continue to be represented in future development of the area. It is envisaged that employment and enterprise will be the focus of one of the sub-committees of the docklands consultative forum. The residential community of the docklands area is central to its continuing development and it is projected that the population of the area will grow by almost 6,000 in the coming years. The interests of the residents are central to the integrated and sustainable growth of that community. Through the involvement of representatives on the docklands consultative forum, as well as the important role of local public representatives on Dublin City Council, those interests will be recognised and nurtured.