Averil Power (Fianna Fail)
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I have tabled this debate to highlight the need for the Government to ensure that a certain percentage of jobs are allocated to local people during the Dublin docklands redevelopment, similar to arrangements that were put in place for the Grangegorman development. Recently, I met Mr. Tony McDonnell of the North Wall residents association and a local representative for the area, Mr. Brian Mohan. They asked me to raise this issue with the Minister.

As the Minister of State is aware, major development is planned for the docklands under the docklands strategic development zone, SDZ, from the convention centre and the IFSC to the 3Arena and the new Central Bank building. It is important that this development not only be done in a way that is sensitive to the needs of residents who will see considerable change in their area, but also brings a community benefit. One of the best ways of doing so is by securing employment for locals during the construction phase and when the new businesses open. This is particularly important, given that it is an area of high unemployment. There are many construction workers in the area and others are training in various aspects of construction.

This initiative would also be in the interests of local businesses if they are to integrate properly in their communities and be accepted by same. Not only should people be given construction jobs during development, but companies should be encouraged to employ people locally and run trainee internships for local students so that they might get business experience. There is an opportunity to link the development with the National College of Ireland, NCI, which is based in the IFSC. Companies' skills needs could be identified for the NCI, which could then ensure that local people acquired those skills. I have tabled this debate to ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to liaise with the relevant stakeholders and ensure that this initiative happens.

Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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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.

Averil Power (Fianna Fail)
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I welcome that work is under way to develop a strategy and a consultative forum for residents but the engagement needs to go beyond consultation to real involvement. The Minister of State stated that one of the key objectives of the DDDA was to secure the social and economic regeneration of the area. The area will only be regenerated when the existing community is properly integrated. It cannot be simply a matter of bringing external businesses to the area while allowing them to remain completely separate from the existing community. That is not proper regeneration.

He indicated that it would not be impossible under the Planning and Development Act 2000 to provide for conditions on local employment but that it would not be appropriate. I strongly disagree with that assertion. Local employment is essential. All we will be seeking is a proportion of 10% or 15%. If we are to integrate businesses and create a proper social environment, it is essential to provide local employment. I ask the Minister of State to push his colleagues a bit further on this issue. It worked in Grangegorman and it would ensure that people do not feel that development is being landed into their community without any real involvement by residents. There may be a consultative forum but there is no integration on a day to day basis.

Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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I will relay the Senator's concerns to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. She is correct that the local community has to be involved in the development of the docklands area. I understand such engagement was provided for in the 1987 Act and I know from conversations with my colleagues that the experience has been positive in terms of providing public services and developing schools, etc., in the area. The Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, who was principal of a school in the area, and the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills, Deputy Kevin Humphreys, have impressed on me the importance of community representatives to developing the area from a social and economic perspective. That is not to say the process cannot be improved. We need to keep a close eye on it.

In regard to Grangegorman, I understand the Tánaiste and Deputy Joe Costello were central to the inclusion of particular conditions for the development of the DIT campus. That, of course, is a public project which allows for the inclusion of social clauses. Significant employment has been provided to young people in the immediate area of Grangegorman who may have experienced unemployment. That is one way of creating a sense of local ownership of a significant public and social infrastructure project. I support the spirit of what the Senator is trying to achieve. It is important to ensure the existing community in the Docklands has ownership in what may be significant future investment in the area.