The timing of the publication of the Dublin City Taskforce report, just weeks ahead of a general election, has been described as deeply cynical by Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon.
“Members of the taskforce completed their work on time and submitted their recommendations to the Taoiseach back in September. However, he sat on this report for more than five weeks and has only published it today – as a general election is about to be called.
“The Taoiseach is trying to create the illusion that Fine Gael care about Dublin, even though they have stood by and allowed the city centre to falter during their 14 years in office.
“We do not need another report telling us things we already knew, such as the need for 1,000 extra gardaí in the capital. This is an insult to the retailers, workers and inner city communities who have been screaming for more policing resources for years.
“Incentivising frontline workers to live in the city centre is another a great idea – but where is the funding for it? Similarly, the taskforce’s proposal to renovate all city centre social housing within five years is an initiative I would fully support if it were budgeted for.
“In the absence of ringfenced funding for these uncosted measures, Fine Gael is simply using Dublin as a photo op again, just like the Minister for Justice did in the aftermath of violent attacks on tourists last year.
“Those of us who truly love this city and believe in its future can see the Government’s sudden interest in Dublin for the election stunt that it is.”
October 21, 2024