Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Jun 1991

Vol. 409 No. 6

Written Answers. - Inner City Designated Area.

Seán Ryan

Question:

39 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the plans, if any, he has for the internal refurbishment of the Custom House, Dublin 1; if, in view of the need to revitalise the north inner city, he has any proposals to transfer his Department to rebuilt and refurbished office accommodation in Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1; if not, if he will consider such proposals in the light of the failure of the designated area scheme in the north inner city area in general and Mountjoy Square in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

An on-going refurbishment programme for the internal areas of the Custom House occupied by my Department is being implemented as resources allow. Considerable progress has been made to date. There are no plans to transfer offices of my Department to Mountjoy Square.

While progress in the designated areas of the north inner city has been slow, developments valued at just over £1 million are now in progress and developments valued at almost £2.5 million have been completed. Development interest in the north inner city designated area has increased over the past few months, with planning permissions granted for projects valued at £27.3 million, including projects valued at £6.3 million in the area of Mountjoy Square.