PDs plan for ‘Manhattan-style’ Dublin

DUBLIN BAY would be transformed into a Manhattan-style skyline under redevelopment plans unveiled yesterday by the Progressive Democrats.

Senator Tom Morrissey said he wanted to see the industrial activity of Dublin Port gradually moved to Bremore, north of Balbriggan, enabling massive urban regeneration of the bay area. Housing, offices, shops, waterfront promenades and parks could be built on more than 600 acres of land freed up by the move. The port would be redeveloped for cruise liners.

“This has the potential to create a spectacular Manhattan-style approach to Dublin by sea,” Mr Morrissey said. “The plan draws on international experience in cities like Helsinki and Barcelona where run-down port areas have been transformed beyond recognition. It would breathe life into Dublin Bay, which is currently an under-used asset,” he added.

The proposals launched by the PDs also aim to deliver a truck-free city.

“The ideas we are putting forward would solve Dublin Port’s capacity problem while allowing for the development of ‘A New Heart for Dublin’ in the future,” he said.

“When you consider that Irish imports and exports have grown five-fold since 1990, then it is really no surprise that Dublin Port currently has a capacity problem. The worrying reality of the situation is that the port is likely to run out of capacity by 2008,” the North Dublin senator said.

Mr Morrissey said his party’s proposal was intended to spark debate on how best to develop Dublin Bay, which he described as a unique asset in the heart of the capital.