As a business owner in Dublin city centre, Andrea Horan is well-versed in the problems the capital is facing at the moment. From communities being eroded to make way for hotels to a distinct lack of public facilities, affordable housing and creative hubs, the city’s issues are grave and numerous. But, there is hope. In Andrea’s words, “We deserve a city that hums; a city that bustles with life and activity and is open to all.
Efforts to address the issues have been superficial and topline — the City Recovery Task Force set up by Dublin City Council’s CEO Owen Keegan post-Covid came with a memo confirming that there would be no “specific financial allocation” assigned to the task force. The current Government Task Force for Dublin City Centre is due to announce its recommendations soon, but again, no budget has been assigned to the project.
Communities have been eroded to make way for white-label hotels, luxury student accommodation for foreign students and luxury apartments. Simply look at The Liberties – promises of outdoor market spaces and amenities for locals in places like Newmarket Square have been shelved, the burnt-out community centre remains closed and the area is still without a sports pitch for the 8,500 children.