DUBLIN’S SHERIFF STREET area is set to get a facelift and be “rebranded”.
As part of the government’s new initiative to boost the Dublin’s north inner city, the area is to get a €5 million funding injection.
A report, drafted by Kieran Mulvey, formerly of the Workplace Relations Commission, aims to turn the area, which is just a stone’s throw from some of the multi-national banks and businesses in the IFSC, from a “run down, no-go” area to a “modern and attractive” place for people to work and live.
What’s in the plan?
There are commitments for there to be no signs of dereliction, with good street lighting, trees and greenery.
In order to achieve this, calls for establishing a ‘Docklands Tax’ appear to have made some impact.
Novel ways to eradicate derelict sites are to be explored, including the possibility of a levy on unused sites in the area, as well as dedicated contributions from Nama, IFSC businesses and the Central Bank (which is due to open in the region soon).
A combined contribution of €10 million over a three-year period to a “renewal fund” would revitalise the urban landscape, said Mulvey.
While there are calls for more social housing in the area, the report highlights five areas for large-scale infrastructure investment:
Big refurbishment plans
Mountjoy Square Park is one of five historic Georgian squares in Dublin, and the report’s author calls for it to be restored to its original design.
Aldborough House, the second largest private residence built in the 18th century in Georgian Dublin, outside of Leinster House, is now in private ownership.
Mulvey states there are plans to refurbish the iconic building, however he said if this is not achieved, consideration should be given for it to be acquired by government.
New pedestrian cycle and transport routes are to be developed, with a push to get businesses to locate in the area.
The report finds there is a deep sense among locals of being “left behind” during the Celtic Tiger period, with a lot of “false promises” made.
Councillor Éilis Ryan criticised the report and said the focus of “narrative changing” is deeply disappointing.
Job opportunities in the area
She said jobs and the inequality those living in the area face should be the focus.
During the launch of the report this week, a local man told Taoiseach Enda Kenny about the discrimination he faced living in the area, particularly when applying for a job.
Kenny said the report highlights the need to break the cycle of unemployment by ensuring the large multinationals located in the area give back.
He said corporate social responsibility efforts need to be made, whereby targeted career pathways are offered to post-primary students in the area.
Above all, Mulvey said locals need to feel the north inner city is an important part of the capital.
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