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:

Continue reading “The Phoenix Park parking strategy: my thoughts”

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.

Continue reading “Swap AirBnB for housing on Thomas Street: my planning observation”

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. I keep this webpage updated with the latest information on the project.

The latest update (26th February 2024) is that a formal planning application for the bridge has been submitted. You can see that here and make a submission until the 2nd of April 2024.

The previous update (14th November 2023) was from a parliamentary question which Patrick Costello TD kindly put in on my behalf. It says that the OPW aim to apply for planning permission in the first quarter of 2023, hopefully tendering for the works in 2023.

Continue reading “Latest update: new Liffey bridge for War Memorial Gardens”

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 Thomas Street.

We’ll hear from local historians, Patrick and I, and a councillor on the northside who’s been working on the related Fruit and Veg Markets on the northside.

No registration needed in advance: all welcome.

The poster for the event.

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 in to An Bord Pleanála in February 2023.

Continue reading “In support of the Donore Project: planning observation”

Housing, not a hotel for Francis Street

Developers sought to build an aparthotel on the corner of Francis Street and Mark’s Alley. I think they should build housing there instead.

Below is the observation I sent in: all the documents are here. Dublin City Council rejected planning permission in March 2023.

Continue reading “Housing, not a hotel for Francis Street”

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.

Continue reading “Rialto linear park: second phase to start in February”

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.

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

New cycle route- Kilmainham to Thomas Street: my submission

There’s a new bike lane planned for Rialto: running from Suir Road all the way to Thomas Street. It’s one of the quick-build interim schemes that Dublin City Council are rolling out, which will eventually be followed up with a permanent scheme.

Continue reading “New cycle route- Kilmainham to Thomas Street: my submission”