Dublin task force report
Deputy Gannon asks whether funding will be provided for the Dublin task force recommendations on flat complexes and O'Connell Street. The Tánaiste says the report will be published, supports revitalisation, but has not yet seen the details.
I want to ask the Tánaiste about the task force the Taoiseach commissioned for the city of Dublin. It was one of his first acts when he came into power some four or five months ago. That report has been completed and it is sitting on his desk. I read today that it is intended to be brought to the Cabinet in two weeks' time. Contained within that report are a number of recommendations about restoring flat complexes around Dublin and reanimating O'Connell Street to bring people in to live on that street. It will require a budget. Is it the intention of the Government to allocate funds for that task force in next week's budget?
Comment on this
First of all, there has been much work with regard to the revitalisation of Dublin and that is ongoing. For example, the revitalisation of O'Connell Street has been long on the agenda, but it has been subject to much debate, controversy and opposition in terms of the development and significant commercial development on O'Connell Street. However, we will support all of the recommendations that will emerge because the perception of city life on the streets of Dublin is that it is not safe. Many people have that perception. It needs to be cleaner and modernised as indeed do other urban areas across the country.
Comment on this
There is a sense of urban living. Many young people and young women in particular will tell us they do not feel as safe in our cities and in Dublin-----