Docklands, not shadowlands
By Tara O'Liaith
Last Wednesday 20 January saw a street carnival demonstration held by
South Dublin inner city residents on the site of a proposed 17 storey
apartment complex.
Over four hundred people joined the protest at Moss Street, off
George's Quay.
Local residents carrying banners proclaiming `Docklands not
Shadowlands' stressed that they are not opposed to progress, but to
skyscrapers that can only serve to detract light from what is already
a fairly built-up area, not to mention the fact that there is a
severe lack of affordable housing in the locality.
The residents feel that this development, if it goes ahead, will set
a precedent for other developers to build high rise blocks locally.
Mr Derek Murphy, secretary of the Combined Community Association,
said ``There is no benefit to the local community. The only person to
gain is the developer''.
Following the example of other communities who have protested
successfully against similar proposed monstrosities within their
areas, such as the Community Council in the Ringsend area and the
Shelbourne Park Residents Association, the Combined Community
Association at George's Quay are in favour of developing unused land
- but with the needs of the community in mind.
Local Sinn Fein representative Daithi Doolan said ``These developments
only serve to increase the profits of private developers and take
much needed land out of the reach of the Pearse Street community''.
Supporting the communities' demand for ``real'' development, Doolan
said, ``we are in favour of real substantial development that have the
people's needs at its cornerstone''.
It will be a few months before the outcome is known, as Bord Pleanala
are dealing with a backlog at present.
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