O’Connell Street site must be priority for new Dublin regeneration boss – McAdam

Urgent action is needed to deliver the redevelopment of a key site in Dublin Central, the Lord Mayor of Dublin has said.

Councillor Ray McAdam said one of the most important regeneration sites in the heart of the capital, the landmark old Carlton Cinema site sitting between O Connell Street and Moore Street, must be taken as a priority by the new head of the body tasked with rejuvenating Dublin city centre.

“After years of delay this site still lies idle. Dublin cannot afford to see such a strategically important city centre location left in limbo any longer.

“The time has now come for the state to consider intervening and purchasing these lands in the public interest.

“With the appointment of a first Director General of the new Dublin 2050 Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), there is now an opportunity to deliver here. Once established, that SPV should be tasked with preparing a development agreement to finally unlock the full potential of this site.

“We need action on this. These lands should be delivering a high-quality, mixed-use development with homes, retail, commercial activity, cultural uses and public space in a way that strengthens both O’Connell Street and Moore Street, and the community as a whole.

“The regeneration of this site will breathe new life into the north inner city.

“With plans for the Metrolink to pass under the site it is vital that we ensure development of the whole site and that it works with the plans for the project.

“Dublin has waited long enough. If the redevelopment of this site cannot be delivered after all these years, then we must be prepared to step-in and lead.

“This is exactly the kind of intervention the new Director General should be driving,” concluded Councillor McAdam.