Roger T. Garland
Ceist:207 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Finance when the Office of Public Works sought section 84 consent for the canals interpretative centre in the Grand Canal Basin, Dublin.
Written Answers. - Canals Interpretative Centre.
Roger T. Garland
Ceist:208 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Finance when Dublin Corporation granted section 84 consent for the canals centre in Ringsend Basin, and the recommendations Dublin Corporation have made in relation to this.
Roger T. Garland
Ceist:209 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Finance if he accepts all of the recommendations made by Dublin Corporation concerning the canals centre in Ringsend Basin; and if recommendations are provided for in the construction contract.
Roger T. Garland
Ceist:210 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Finance the reason the Office of Public Works chose to locate the canal centre within the waterspace of the Ringsend Basin, Dublin 4 when the basin is surrounded by derelict and under-maintained buildings.
Roger T. Garland
Ceist:211 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Finance the reason he did not commission an environmental impact statement on the canals interpretative centre.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 to 211, inclusive, together.
The Office of Public Works referred the Ringsend Visitor Centre to Dublin Corporation's planning department for their observations under section 84 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, on 7 March 1991. The corporation replied on 18 April 1991 stating that they had no objection to the project subject to two conditions: 1, that the external finish of the proposed services building on the quayside should match the main display centre building; 2, that adequate provision be made for access for the disabled and other persons with restricted mobility. The centre meets these conditions.
The site in the water body was chosen as the Office of Public Works do not own any of the existing buildings around the basin. The decision to build over the water obviates the need for very expensive land purchases and, additionally, gives a focus to the larger inner basin which no longer has any of its former significant boat usage. The location complements the existing IDA craft centre complex on Grand Canal Quay and the design incorporates many of the architectural themes of the area. Having regard to the function of the building, which will be to publicise and disseminate information on all aspects of inland navigations in the care of the State and in the process to foster enthusiasm for their care and conservation, the siting of the centre over the water is considered particularly appropriate.
The decision to develop the centre in the basin was widely publicised and has been generally well received by the local community.
An environmental impact statement was not commissioned as the project was below the thresholds specified for the commissioning of such studies and the commissioners were satisfied on the basis of their own research that the building would have no harmful effect and would in fact be beneficial to the local environment.
The completion of this project and the opening of the visitor centre will assist in the rejuvenation of a degraded area and encourage considerable visitor numbers. The development poses no threat to the fabric of the canal system. It has already served as catalyst for several private sector redevelopment schemes on derelict property in the area and it heralds the likely transformation of this area over the next few years.