Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 March 2015
661. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the rationale for closing the Ballymun shopping centre; and if he will provide costings for the necessary repairs to re-open it as a viable centre. [13191/15]
View answerDublin City Council has advised that the refurbishment of the shopping centre in its current state is not economically viable. Anticipated demand and rental returns would not support the several million euro investment required. It is the Council’s view that the comprehensive redevelopment of a cleared site, following the demolition of the centre and contiguous buildings, is the best approach. The Council has informed my Department that terms have been agreed in relation to a site north of the shopping centre on which it is anticipated that retail units will be developed. In addition it is proposed that a number of existing services in the shopping centre, such as the Credit Union, Job Centre and bank may be relocated to the Civic Centre.
