A Vision for Dublin Bay

A report on Dublin Bay was commissioned by Dublin City Council from a team of consultants led by CDM (Ireland) Ltd., as the first stage in the preparation of a strategic framework plan for Dublin Bay.

The report - 'Report on Dublin Bay - An Integrated Economic, Cultural and Social Vision for Sustainable Development' - has been presented to the members of Dublin City Council and will be on public display for the period from Monday, 1st October 2007 to Friday, 30th November 2007, inclusive, at the following locations during normal office hours -

* Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8
* Central Library, Ilac Centre, Henry Street, Dublin 1
* Raheny Library, Howth Road, Raheny, Dublin 5
* Pearse Street Library, 138-144 Pearse Street, Dublin 2.

The report states that although Dublin Port currently plays a 'vital role' in the development of the city, there is, however, a 'growing realisation' that the port lands are 'strategically important' and offer a greater potential for residential and employment-generating business opportunities.

According to the report - 'Dublin is constrained by its capacity to grow and to generate new employment by a lack of space. The status quo - with the port remaining on site - means there is no additional capacity for growth. Full relocation of the port and development of the vacated site for a mixed use of residential, public and employment space offers the best long-term impact for Dublin'.

The proposed option would be 'economically very beneficial' - allowing for the creation of a new 'city quarter' and providing homes for at least 55,000 people.

The report also also proposes the development of a 'tree-lined boulevard' from the Park Gates of the Phoenix Park, along the Liffey to the city centre.

A freshwater reservoir - which would be used to provide drinking water for the city - is also included as one of the proposals in the report.

Flooding problems in the city are also addressed and form perhaps the most radical element of the document. The report states that, unless preventative measures are taken, flooding of large tracts of the city is 'inevitable'. It considers several options, including the building of a 'tidal barrage structure' - a flood defence wall - between Dun Laoghaire and Howth - while, at the same time, using the water in Dublin Bay to generate power. The structure could be used as a road or rail link.

A second option would include the building of similar 'tidal barrage structures' between Howth and Bull Island and between the ends of the north and south Bull walls. This option would also see a 'South Bull Island' constructed offshore - to be used for recreation purposes. Tidal generators for electricity production could be included, as well as wind turbines.

Members of the public are invited to give their views and opinions and Comment Sheets are available at all the locations (above) where the report is available for viewing. The closing date for submissions is 4.30pm Friday, 30th November, 2007.