Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

With respect to Senator Norris, the society has expressed its support for the initiative, having also raised a number of aspects which it thinks could be improved. We are all concerned to ensure the initiative enhances the living communities in inner city areas in Dublin and other cities throughout Ireland, as well as helping to preserve our built and architectural heritage.

In regard to a master plan for the city of Dublin, a Labour Party councillor, Dermot Lacey, has been outspoken on the need for a mayor for Dublin city. It is time we revived that idea. Until we have that sort of joined-up thinking across Dublin's local authorities, the various initiatives will not work as well as they could. There are, for example, difficulties with traffic planning for the cross-city Luas project. I fully support Senator Norris's call for joined up thinking and a Dublin city mayor who would take responsibility for developing a master plan for Dublin.