Re-development of Liberty Hall
SIPTU has announced their preferred option is the demolition of the Liberty Hall tower to make way for a redevelopment project. Cllr. Kevin Humphreys as a SIPTU member and Leader of the Labour Group on Dublin City Council is looking forward to seeing the full detail of this proposal. “It is important that SIPTU remain the main occupier of the Liberty Hall premises, it would be a betrayal of Connolly’s and Larkin’s legacy if SIPTU relinquished its premises in the heart of the city.”

Plans for the redevelopment of Liberty Hall must take into consideration the historical significant of the site; HQ during the 1913 lockout, James Connolly led the Irish Citizen Army to the GPO and the 1916 Proclamation was printed.

Healthcare Survey
Councillor Daithí Doolan said the results of a healthcare survey in Dublin South East, “have given the government a public health warning. The survey carried out by Sinn Féin in May and June across Dublin South East gave the clearest indication yet that the public are sick of Harney’s second-rate healthcare system.

“Most of those questioned said they would support quality free healthcare for all. This totally undermines the PDs attempts to privatise our healthcare system.“

Cllr. Doolan explains, “With 89% of the 1000 households surveyed blaming the government for the current healthcare crisis, the results clearly indicate that the level of anger the public have for Harney and company. Public funding was also high on people’s agenda with 91% of the public wanting to increase public funding for more hospital beds and staff.”

Oral hearing for Lansdowne Re-Development
Cllr Kevin Humphreys welcomes the decision by An Board Pleanala to hold a public oral hearing on the proposed re-development of Lansdowne Road. “I’m heartened to hear that the people most affected by the 50,000 seating stadium will get the opportunity to address their concerns at a public hearing,” said Cllr Kevin Humphreys.

Creighton Rejects 32 Stories for Ballsbridge
Councillor Lucinda Creighton, FG General Election candidate in Dublin South East, expressed outrage at renewed speculation that a planning application will be lodged to build a 32-storey development on the site of the Jury’s Hotel in Ballsbridge.

Creighton is responsible for the new Local Area Plan which is currently under way in the Ballsbridge area. She regards the proposal for a 32-storey development as being utterly anathema to the type of rejuvenation that is needed in this unique urban village.

“Developments close to the city centre have consistently failed to cater for the needs of the community and the residents living in them. The development must include facilities which can be used by local residents, such as a community centre, swimming pool, tennis courts, gallery or other community resources.† Dublin City Council has the capacity to build in such conditions to the terms of the planning permission. I will seek to ensure that this occurs,” she added.

Chamber Support for Directly Elected Mayor Welcome.
Support for the direct election of the Lord Mayor of Dublin from the Dublin Chamber of Commerce President has been welcomed by the former Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Dermot Lacey.

According to Councillor Lacey, “Dublin desperately needs an accountable and mandated Mayor who can ‘Stand up for Dublin’ and the needs of the people of this City and County. This was provided for in the 2001 Local Government Act introduced by Noel Dempsey, only to be subsequently removed by surprise, surprise, Martin Cullen aided and abetted by that other great ‘Dubs fan’ Bertie Ahern.

“For far too long decisions have been taken by others about the future of this great Capital City without any reference to the people or their elected representatives. It is time to take Dublin back from the Quangos and Bureaucracies. The direct election of a Mayor who would have both the authority and time to lead the City is needed more than ever. It is long past time for action.”

Sinn Féin lodge objection with An Bord Pleanála against proposed incinerator
Sinn Féin’s Dublin Environment Spokesperson Councillor Daithí Doolan lodged the party’s objection with An Bord Pleanála against the proposed incinerator on the Poolbeg Peninsula.
Cllr. Doolan said “It is crucial that An Bord Pleanála understand the full implications of the government’s plan to build an incinerator here in Ringsend. The proposal totally contradicts Dublin City Council’s City Development Plan and undermines the democratic wishes of the majority of Councillors in the city, who continue to reject this proposal.

“Our objection is based on the fact that the City Development Plan has rezoned the Poolbeg Peninsula to exclude incineration. The road network will be unable to accommodate the hundreds of trucks using the proposed incinerator on a daily basis. It is verging on the ridiculous to expect 100s of trucks to drive through Ringsend & Sandymount to deliver rubbish to the incinerator and 100s of trucks to remove the dangerous ash back through this residential area.

“Our objection also raises questions about why the Poolbeg Peninsula was chosen in the first place over three other sites in Dublin. I believe there was no proper investigation done; the choice had more to do with political expediency rather than fulfilling any criteria.”