Amendments Nos. 107 and 108 are related and may be taken together by agreement.
SECTION 115.
Acting Chairman
I move amendment No. 107:
In page 94, subsection (1), line 16, to delete "1998" and substitute "1999".
These amendments extend the time for special reliefs introduced in 1991 for Temple Bar which expire on 5 April 1998. However, an extensive area in Temple Bar to the west of Parliament Street still remains to be developed. Temple Bar Properties has prepared proposals for this area which will involve the provision of two green squares, a cre±che, 203 apartments, over 17,000 square feet or 1,700 square metres of retail space and 41 car park spaces. These developments are complicated by the fact that they are being built over a national monument described as archaeological deposits; it was the old car park area for the corporation library service. The company needs a time extension to complete the archaeological dig and the project so as to qualify for tax concessions.
As we are making good progress may I be slightly irrelevant. I was fascinated by the clash of aesthetic views concerning the development of the west end of Temple Bar. I am not keen on what the architectural profession seems to think are wonderful new buildings. Much of it leaves me cold and this new street is another example of very bland architecture and is disappointing. Genuine residents in Temple Bar are experiencing difficulties at present. While Temple Bar may be held in great international esteem, it is becoming a hellish area in which to live. Unless it is raining, people leaving their homes in Crampton Buildings, for example, are obliged to run a gauntlet of lager louts. It is not a congenial place in which to live. Everyone favours music in the Temple Bar area but groups of individuals are beating drums outside people's homes between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. A measure of zero tolerance in respect of the Public Order Act, the licensing laws, etc., might improve the quality of life in Temple Bar.
There is a management problem in the Temple Bar area and someone attending a stag party in the City Centre Hotel died recently. Another guest at that party was a senior trader in a financial house in the UK. Perhaps this represents the result of 18 years of Thatcherism or the decline of civilisation as we know it.
Acting Chairman
The old Tailors' Hall is situated on the western end of Temple Bar immediately adjacent to the archaeological dig. I stay in a small hotel in that area and I have not yet been awakened by lager louts. Only a small part of the facade of that hall remains and I wonder if it is to be refurbished?
I do not believe the Acting Chairman is referring to Tailors' Hall.
Acting Chairman
I am referring to what remains of Tailors' Hall.
Tailors' Hall is not situated in that area. It is the headquarters of An Taisce. The building is 300 years old.
Acting Chairman
It appears to be rather derelict.
Is the Acting Chairman referring to the building in Little High Street?
Acting Chairman
Yes.
The Acting Chairman is referring to the back of the building. It was meant to be approached through a tunnel which ran under other buildings that have been demolished. The building is situated in an open courtyard whereas it should be situated in a 17th or 18th century courtyard. Its environment could be restored to make it more attractive.
Acting Chairman
I take the Deputy's point but we should not be going off at tangents.
Amendment agreed to.
I move amendment No. 108:
In page 94, subsection (1), line 19, to delete "1998" and substitute "1999".
Amendment agreed to.
Section 115, as amended, agreed to.
Section 116 agreed to.