What do you think about the new Pembroke/Rathmines electoral area?
I have found it extremely interesting working in the new enlarged local government area in Pembroke/ Rathmines. While I have been on the Council for many years in the Rathmines end of the new area, I have also been very involved in matters of importance in the Sandymount, Ballsbridge and Donnybrook area.

With regard to the constituency change, I think it was quite deplorable to divide Sandymount in two. However, I think there is a solution available to us in the new Council by properly using the Area Committee which will deal with all issues in Sandymount. I hope that all Councillors elected next June will work together to represent Sandymount in a unified way.

What are your views on the Jury’s hotel site?
I was particularly pleased to work with the 14 residents associations at the time of the proposed Ballsbridge area plan and very much shared their concern in connection with the Jury’s hotel site and of course the proposed tower. All of this now is at an end because of the recent decision by Board Pleanála.

Have you any views on the Sandymount Village Design project?
I think it is a good idea. I know there was a great deal of debate and concerns as to how this might work out. I think the last meeting in Lakelands was very positive. I strongly feel that representation on the steering committee should represent both sides of the new and imposed divide in Sandymount.

Has the dual mandate made any difference to the Council?
In terms of co-operation between councillors, I believe one of the benefits of the abolition of the dual mandate has been that councillors are working very well together without the intrusion of Leinster House politics. I have great regard for all public representatives in Leinster House but there was a tendency for strict party divisions to be introduced into City Council debates.

Michael Donnelly is a Chartered Accountant and Chairman of the Finance Committee and he is particularly concerned that we get value for money every day of the year. “In the way we discharge our responsibility to all citizens and by managing our money to the best effect, we also make it possible to expand our services to all communities. I am very happy to say that in drawing up the budget for the current year we have managed to preserve all services without any cutbacks.” Donnelly says that a good example of value for money has been the successful reorganisation of the bin collections. This has resulted in a saving of €11 million without any interference with the service. Another major success has been the continuation of the Bulk Household Collection. This will continue on a ‘free of charge’ basis and with a three year cycle.

Despite all the pressures in dealing with economic and financial difficulties, Donnelly thinks it is of the utmost importance that the City Council foster the participation and enjoyment of the cultural and artistic life of the city.
“Dublin has such a rich history in theatre, literature, music and in the arts generally. Dublin has achieved three Nobel Prizes for literature, W.B. Yeats, George Bernard Shaw and Sam Beckett, and consider that the list does not include Joyce, O’Casey, Wilde. Some city! Let us be proud.”