Actions belie promises on decentralisation
The map has gone, but everything still gravitates towards Dublin.
The Government’s plan to decentralise 10,000-plus civil servants and, presumably, their dependents sounds admirable. It should relieve congestion in the city centre. However, every Government action since contradicts this objective.
A new shopping centre in Dundrum is supposed to create 4,000 new jobs. Who gave planning permission for this? Will it add to the congestion?
It seems that a new airport terminal is also needed.
Should it be west of Dublin to make travel easier for the people who live in the rest of Ireland?
No, it will be in Dundrum.
Is this to provide employment in certain constituencies and to please influential business interests, or to facilitate the many travellers from the rest of Ireland who wish to travel abroad without encountering the M50 and the ‘Mad Cow’ roundabout?
Recently, the Taoiseach and Tánaiste announced a new industry, Wyeth, which is to provide 1,000 jobs. Where is it based? Dublin, of course.
The recently launched transport plan deals mostly with Dublin and 50% of the funding for it will be spent in the region of the capital - more travel, more long hours, more gridlock and pollution.
Arts, Culture and Sports Minister John O’Donoghue has just announced a new national conference centre which will attract 50,000 visitors. In Dublin.
The plan seems to be to cram as many people and industries as possible into Dublin to the detriment of the rest of the country.
Who will cry halt to the madness?
TM Hassett
Roseville
Strawberry Hill
Cork
