Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Temple Bar Development Committee. – Dáil Éireann (26th Dáil) – Wednesday, 23 May 1990

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Temple Bar Development Committee.

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

3 Mr. Byrne asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the terms of reference of the special committee which he has appointed to make recommendations on the development of the Temple Bar area in Dublin 2; the members of the committee; when the committee is expected to report; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Taoiseach

I established the Temple Bar Development Committee to make recommendations on a balanced approach to the development of the Temple Bar area. The committee will report before end of June 1990.

The members of the committee are:

Lord Mayor Seán Haughey	Chair
Ms. G. Bowler	Budget Travel
Mr. T. Costello	FÁS
Ms. M. Doyle	Department of the Taoiseach
Mr. J. Farrelly	Department of the Environment
Mr. A. Gibney	Architect
Mr. J. Lumsden	Department of Tourism and Transport
Ms. L. Magahy	Temple Bar Development Council
Mr. P. Morrissey	Dublin Corporation
Mr. G. McCarron	Dublin Corporation
Mr. M. McNulty	Bord Fáilte
Mr. J. Quillinan	Temple Bar Development Council
Mr. P. Teahon	Department of the Taoiseach

Mr. Byrne

I share the Taoiseach's concern for the Temple Bar area and wish the committee well. However let me suggest that one of the key agencies not represented on the committee are CIE who own the site. Does the Taoiseach not agree it is important that CIÉ are represented on the committee given that their land is at stake?

The Taoiseach

I am glad the Deputy has mentioned that. I did actually consider that but we decided that it was probably best to have that interest represented through the Department of Tourism and Transport who have responsibility for CIÉ and they are represented on the board.

Mr. Byrne

Some members of the staff of CIÉ feel they would be best able to represent their interests. Having regard to the fact that it is the policy of Dublin Corporation to seek easier access for the public through improved public transportation, including the provision by Córas Iompair Éireann of interchange arrangements for buses and underground rail links with the DART and the western towns, would the Taoiseach outline to the House the ramifications of a change in policy by CIÉ for public transportation and the provision of a central bus station in the city?

An Ceann Comhairle

That is quite a widening of the scope of the question, Deputy.

The Taoiseach

I do not mind telling the Deputy that I announced some years ago that it was Fianna Fáil policy that Temple Bar should not be given over as a transport centre, that it was too special an area of Dublin to be devastated in that way. That is the reason for the establishment of this committee. This committee grew out of the wish of a number of people to do something special with Temple Bar because it is one of those areas of the city which is evolving its own special characteristics; indeed, it is sometimes referred to as the Left Bank of Dublin. It is in that context that we decided some time ago that the transport centre proposal of CIÉ should not be proceeded with and that we should preserve Temple Bar for an entirely different type of ambience.

Mr. Byrne

Would the Taoiseach agree that the special characteristics he speaks about are created in part by CIÉ by virtue of their low value leasing arrangements with their various tenants? If the Taoiseach hopes to one day get all the buses off the road and into a central station, will he agree that it is now time that the Department of Tourism and Transport provided alternative proposals for CIÉ so that from now on we can plan the city vis-à-vis transportation policy in a proper manner?

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 23 May 1990