3rd September 2001

PRESS RELEASE

GREENS CRITICAL OF DUN LAOGHAIRE HARBOUR PLANS

The Green Party has criticised the plans by Developer Terry Devey with German architect Daniel Libeskind for redeveloping the Carlisle Pier in Dún Laoghaire harbour.  It has called for a Local Plan to be prepared that would maximise public acces to the water, and create good public buildings. "Instead of privatising one of the few remaining public places within the Harbour we should draw up a plan for the entire waterfront with full public consultation," stated Councillor Ciarán Cuffe of the Green Party.  

"As an architect I have the highest respect for Mr. Libeskind, but he was given the wrong brief. Do we really want apartment blocks and hotels towering over the waterfront? Of course we need development, but we must not privatise the waterfront.

"We need good cultural and leisure facilities by the harbour. At a time when the economy is doing well we shouldn't be selling off the family silver. From the demise of the number 8 bus to the closure of Dún Laoghaire Baths is seems that public facilities are being run down or closed.

"We are calling for a Local Plan to be prepared with full public consultation. This Plan can examine and consider all proposals for the Harbour area including the Commissioners of Irish Lights' lands, the Dún Laoghaire Baths and the Carlisle Pier."

ENDS

Information contact:

Ciarán Cuffe, 087 265 2075 or 6183082  

Stephen Rawson, Press Officer 087 235 7551 or 618 4088