Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. The Minister's commitment to the north inner city is unquestionable.It is spectacular that since he took office he has dedicated more than €120 million to just this part of the north inner city. Those funds will be used not just for the fruit and vegetable market but for Moore Street, Wolfe Tone Square where DCC has done a fantastic job, Mountjoy Square and the city library we need to see delivered as well. I hear the Minister's frustration and I share it.

Locally people are really at their wit's end because DCC has been bringing forward plans for what to the naked eye is a purpose-built building that is fit for use for more than 20 years. I appreciate the council has given the Minister a commitment that he will get a report within the coming weeks but I would welcome a meeting on-site with the council. I have to believe with the collective will and energy and the resources that have been applied to this we have an opportunity to reopen it early. Maybe it will not be open fully seven days a week but let us aim to have it open at least once a week and start it as a pilot. We have to make people believe DCC is serious about reopening it. At this point, after more than 20 years, there is not that confidence. It hurts me to say this but there is not the confidence DCC is serious about delivering it. We know that is not the case so let us make it real.