The Dublin City Taskforce Report, Get our City Back to its Best, looks at a number of measures to make the city centre a more attractive place to “live, work, do business and visit”.
So, what are the significant changes we’re likely to see?
Revitalise O’Connell Street
Despite its historic past, O’Connell Street is now more known for empty and neglected buildings, traffic congestion and an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour.
The capital’s main thoroughfare no longer functions as a purely retail destination, and with the increase of alcohol and drug use, it isn’t a very pleasant street to wander around, day or night.
According to the report, there is an opportunity to develop the area for more mixed use, including residential, hospitality, cultural and night-time use.
There are also plans to redevelop the GPO as major public building, including a new museum there, relocating the O’Connell Street Garda station to the GPO and converting the above ground-floor for residential use.
Prioritise the regeneration of social housing
There are plans for a total regeneration of all existing social housing in the city centre within three to five years.
Many stakeholders and local schools in Dublin city centre have expressed the importance of community facilities, particularly for children’s sports, in fostering a healthy community.
Any upcoming plans must include well designed green spaces, playgrounds, recreational areas and communal facilities to further enhance the quality of life for residents.
Dublin City Council has ongoing plans to secure and convert derelict buildings into residential developments.
The report recommends establishing a public/private partnership to develop a residential scheme with a balance of private and affordable housing. This could include the conversion of unused office space to residential use.
More gardaí on the streets
A lack of safety for the public is one of the biggest issues which needs to be addressed. The taskforce has called for 1,000 more gardaí to be allocated to the city centre area on a phased basis over three years.
Transport is a particular concern, especially for female passengers. Extending private security operatives through the transport network is under way and would be strengthened under the plan.
Local city wardens with powers over littering could also be tested.
Better and safer public transport
The objective of DCC’s Transport Plan is to reduce the 60pc of car traffic and commercial vehicles that pass through the city, while enhancing walking, cycling and public transport.
There are plans to upgrade transport hubs such as the rail stations and Busáras and improve transport infrastructure in the greater Dublin area.
The report also recommends expanding private security on public transport.
Compelling reasons to visit the city centre
The development of new cultural institutions is critical to get people out of their houses and into the city centre, especially during the winter, which is under-served with events.
More spaces are needed for music, artists, theatricals, food and hospitality and retail/markets.
Fáilte Ireland estimates 9,000 extra hotel bedrooms are required to meet the projected demand growth by 2030. But they need to be affordable.
