College Green plaza decision
Deputy Ryan criticised the rejection of the College Green plaza plan and argued for a stronger sustainable transport and planning strategy. The Minister had not read the decision, suggested a Topical Issue for the transport Minister, and said he would convey the concerns directly.
Today An Bord Pleanála has turned down the planning application to build a plaza in College Green. Our city is grinding to a halt. The national planning framework proposes going back to the core and creating these civic spaces, but nothing is happening. There is not a single public transport project or cycling project. This plan was years in preparation and now it has been thrown out the door meaning that we have to go back to the drawing board. What will the Government do to send a signal that we really need a sustainable transport planning system? What is the new Government planning framework that might give An Bord Pleanála the wherewithal to make a hard decision? What will we do with Dublin as we are stuck in gridlock? Will we all just keep driving in to town or does the Government have any plans or proposed legislation to promote sustainable transport and save the city from the gridlock that is growing every day?
Comment on this
I have not had time to read today's An Bord Pleanála decision. I suggest that the Deputy tables a Topical Issue for answer by the Minister, Deputy Ross, maybe later this afternoon.
Comment on this
That would be a convenient means by which the issue might be addressed. In the meantime I will convey the concerns directly to the Minister, Deputy Ross.