Burke makes history in Ormond Square
By Michael Pierse
Dublin SF Councillor Christy Burke made history this week as the
first SF Councillor since the foundation of the State to deputise
for the Lord Mayor of Dublin.
His first responsibility in the role was the opening of the
Ormond Square Improvement Scheme, part of the Historic Area
Rejuvenation Project (HARP) which has set about giving a facelift
to the deprived areas of Dublin's North Inner City.
The newly transformed Square, Burke said, ``reflects the desire of
the residents to maintain the character of the old Square'', which
during World War Two was the site of an air-raid shelter. High
quality play units, a specially designed safety surface and trees
have all greatly improved the scenery and indeed the atmosphere
of the area.
Meanwhile, Councillor Burke has added his voice to those opposed
to the closure of the Markets Area Community Resource
Organisation (MACRO) in Dublin.
The community centre, which provides a wide range of facilities
for local residents, has been given notice to vacate its offices
by Capel Street Credit Union.
Leena Cooney, the Administrator of MACRO, praised the efforts of
local community groups and residents in supporting the plight of
MACRO. A well attended rally and an ongoing picket have been
organised on the Credit Union, which residents say was originally
intended to serve the local community, but has now developed
closer links with businesses in the area at the expense of the
less financially endowed residents.
According to some of those present at the opening, the MACRO
building had originally been purchased for the meagre sum of
£3,000 in 1970 from Irish Distillers. The company had agreed to
this price on the basis that the local community would benefit
from usage of the building. However, according to MACRO, the
growth of the local business community has concurrently fostered
a greed in the union, which has jumped at the chance of selling
the building at a much inflated £125,000.
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