The Phoenix Park parking strategy: my thoughts

The draft Phoenix Park parking strategy was published today. It’s here, open for public consultation until 22nd May. I’ve put a summary of what’s in the plan below, which I’ll eventually work into a full submission. But here are the key points: I want to study the plans in more detail and hear from park …

Swap AirBnB for housing on Thomas Street: my planning observation

There’s a planning application to convert commercial/office space on Thomas Street to AirBnB-style short-stay apartments. In essence, I think the plans to change from office to accommodation are positive, but regular housing (for rent or purchase) would be preferable and more in line with city policy – especially given Ireland’s housing shortage. UPDATE: Dublin City …

Latest update: new Liffey bridge for War Memorial Gardens

A new bridge is planned to go from the War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge/Chapelizod across the Liffey. The Office of Public Works (OPW) are responsible. The latest update (8th March 2023) is from a parliamentary question which Patrick Costello TD kindly put in on my behalf. It says that the OPW aim to apply for …

Magazine Fort in Phoenix park renovation: latest news

There’s a plan to renovate the brilliant Magazine Fort, a bastion fort in the Phoenix Park. Built in 1785 (and added to over the years), it’s a brilliant building, but is in terrible condition. In October 2021. the Office of Public Works announced plans to renovate, restore, and protect the building. You can see some …

Public event: the Future of the Iveagh Markets

The Iveagh Markets are crumbling, but we’re working to save them and eventually get them reopened. To look at the past, present and future of the markets, Patrick Costello and I are hosting a public meeting on Tuesday 14th March 2023, at 7:30pm in the Digital Hub. We’ll be meeting in the ID8 Studio, 157 …

In support of the Donore Project: planning observation

The Land Development Agency are applying to build 543 apartments in Dublin 8, on the site of the old St. Teresa’s Gardens. I’m very supportive of the application – as it will provide much needed housing supply, particularly in the social housing and cost rental sectors. Below is the short and simple observation I sent …

Ending Dublin’s tax break for new car parking

For years, Dublin City Council (along with many others) has been giving new-build car parking spaces a tax break. I have been working over the past years to end that tax break, and I think we’re close to achieving it. The tax break works via Dublin City’s Development Levy. This is essentially a charge on every square …

Rialto linear park: second phase to start in February

The second phase of work on the new linear park in Rialto (along St. James’ Walk) will start in the first week of February 2022. Works are expected to take about four months to complete. This phase of work covers the section between Basin Lane and the bend in the Luas tracks as it runs …

Approval for Supervised Injection facility “will save lives” – Greens

An Bord Pleanála have approved an application for a supervised injecting facility for Merchant’s Quay in Dublin 8 – a decision which has been welcomed by local Green Party representatives. The injection facility provides a safe, supervised, medical space for people injecting drugs. There are over 90 in operation worldwide,  In 2018, addiction charity Merchant’s …