Marie Sherlock (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I, too, want to be associated with the words spoken about the late Councillor Noel Collins on his sad passing. I never had the privilege of meeting Noel, but I do have a wonderful letter at home that was written on his typewriter. As Senator Boyhan said, Noel did not have a mobile phone or computer. It is a testament to the strength of his work, therefore, that he was elected every term and for so many years. As Senator Buttimer stated, it was because he was so embedded in his community.

Yesterday, I joined the artists in Richmond Road studios in Dublin 3 in a protest outside the Dublin City Council offices. It was a wonderful celebration of music, dance and art, but it was also a day of protest to say that they should not be yet another name in the long list of artists' studios that have closed in Dublin over the past 20 years.That list includes: Blackpitts Studios, Mill Street, Dublin 8; New Art Studios, Mary Street, Dublin 1; Steambox Gallery and Studios, the Liberties, Dublin 8; Red Stables Studios, Dublin 3; Commonplace Studios, Dublin 2; Millstreet Studios, Dublin 8; Exchange Dublin, Dublin 1; She-d, Gardiner Lane, Dublin 1; Abbey Artist Studios, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1; Broadstone Studios, Dublin 7; Print Block Studios, Dublin 8; Moxie Studios, Lad Lane, Dublin 2; Mabos, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2; The Joinery, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7; Monster Truck Gallery and Studios, Francis Street, Dublin 8; South Studios, Dublin 8; Littlesalt, Hendron Building, Dublin 7; Market Studios, Halston Street, Dublin 7; and Brunswick Mill Studios, Dublin 7.

They are just some of studios, arts and culture places that have closed in the city over the past decade and a half. We need the Government and Dublin City Council to step up. We need to reverse the long-term decline in hollowing out arts and culture spaces in this city.