Latest Updates – Page 2 – Michael Pidgeon

Liffey Vale Biodiversity centre in Chapelizod & Islandbridge: latest

There’s a brilliant plan to build a biodiversity centre along the north bank of the Liffey, between Chapelizod and Islandbridge, just south of the Phoenix Park. The full project name is the “Cois Abhann Liffey Vale Biodiversity Centre”, which will restore and expand the historic Liffey Vale House, a beautiful Georgian building that has fallen into dereliction.

What’s the deal with Bike Bunkers in Dublin?

Bike bunkers had a really successful trial in Dublin, starting in 2015. But there are still very few – despite huge demand. What gives?

I often get asked about the delay in rolling out the scheme. It’s one of the most frustrating delays I’ve seen on the council, but hopefully we’re beginning to make progress. This is a long saga, but hopefully gives you some insight into the delay behind this great idea.

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 of those plans covered in the Irish Times here (the video is worth a look). The official OPW press release on the project is here.

The Future of Kilmainham Mill: my submission

Kilmainham Mill has been saved. Dublin City Council has bought the site and recently finished stabilising the structure. A public consultation ran until 3rd November, asking for short feedback on what should the future use be.

The length of submissions was limited, so here is the short submission I put in:

SuperValu solar: a supportive observation

Supervalu in Walkinstown are planning to cover their roof in solar panels. Working with brilliant local Green rep, Ray Cunningham, I sent in a supportive observation to be added to their planning application.

Generating more than we used: solar electricity on a Dublin home

I’ve had seven solar panels on my terraced home in Inchicore (Dublin 8) for two years today. I am incredibly positive about it. The house has generated more electricity than its used over the past two years.

I get a lot of questions about it, so wanted to go through some of the basic info that might be helpful to people considering it, or just interested in knowing more.

I’m running in 2024 and I need your help!

I’m running for re-election to Dublin City Council next year – and I need your help!

The Phoenix Park parking strategy: my thoughts

The draft Phoenix Park parking strategy was published today. It’s here, open for public consultation until 6th June.

UPDATE: Neasa Hourigan TD, Cllr. Janet Horner, Feljin Jose and I put in a joint submission, which you can see here.

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:

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 Council has rejected the application, largely on the same grounds as below.