Dublin city centre is not dying, the public expenditure minister has said. Paschal Donohoe made the remarks ahead of the publication of a report from the Dublin City Centre Taskforce. He said he expected the report to be be published within a few weeks of the Dail returning in September.
The taskforce, chaired by An Post CEO David McRedmond, is to make recommendations on improving the city centre’s public realm, safety and experience. READ MORE - Paschal Donohoe dampens hopes of huge cost of living package READ MORE - Paschal Donohoe says population growth having 'big consequences' on Budget plans It comes amid concerns about crime, drug use and the viability of the hospitality sector in the heart of Dublin. Mr Donohoe, a TD for Dublin Central, said the Government wanted to make the capital a "great city to live, visit and go out in".
However, he added: "We’re not where we want to be with regard to that, but I think we will get there, and the report from David McRedmond will be an important ingredient in that." Mr Donohoe said he was sure there would be a recommendation that Dublin City Council be provided with more money, but added: "We have a lot of big investment plans in the city centre already that are under way." Asked if recent high-profile restaurant closures were an example of the death of the city centre, Mr Donohoe rejected the characterisation.
Speaking to reporters at The Complex arts centre in the Smithfield area of Dublin, the minister said: "We are standin.