asked the Minister for the Environment the proposals, if any, that exist for the provision of additional recreational and amenity facilities of all types for north Dublin city; whether he agrees that such extra facilities should be provided; where they are likely to be located; how much money is to be allocated in respect of each such proposal; and when such proposals are likely to be effected.
Written Answers. - North Dublin City Facilities.
378.
The inner City Group which are under my aegis has allocated a sum of £50,000 from the inner city fund for recreational facilities in the inner city area of North Dublin City. Following is a list of the projects being assisted and I agree with the need for these facilities.
(i) Sheriff Street Youth Club. A sum of £20,000 is being provided to enable work on this club to be completed. The club is located at the junction of Commons Street — North Wall and when completed will provide indoor recreational facilities for young people from the Sheriff Street area.
(ii) St. Francis Xavier Community Centre. A sum of £10,000 is being provided to complete the renovations to a school at Dorset Street which is being converted for use as a community centre. The centre will provide indoor recreational facilities for young people living in the Gardiner Street area. The centre will open shortly.
(iii) Former Dorset Street Fire Station. This former fire station has become available for use by local groups for recreational purposes. A sum of £20,000 is being provided to enable the conversion of the premises to be completed. When renovated the premises will be used by local clubs such as the St. Xavier Boxing Club, the Local Society for the Aged and the local branch of the Red Cross Society.
Dublin Corporation are acting as agent for the Inner City Group in the matter. The grants will be paid to the corporation when the works to which the grants relate have been carried out.
A number of other proposals for recreational and amenity facilities in the North Dublin City area have been received and are being considered by the Inner City Group. These include a boat club, canoeing facilities; other play areas and a sports hall in Sean McDermott Street.
Regarding the provision of amenity facilities a sum of £20,000 has been allocated to the Dublin Corporation for a special scheme of tree planting in the inner city. Part at least of this scheme will be carried out in the north inner city area.
It is understood that Dublin Corporation have provided a number of recreational facilities and amenities in the North City area in the past few years with the assistance of subsidy and grants from my Department. In addition they intend to provide, subject to the availability of the necessary funds, a new public park which will be in excess of four acres.