A chara, - With reference to Paul Carey's letter (September 3rd), Dublin Corporation would like to outline the differences between the redevelopment of Temple Bar and O'Connell Street.
Temple Bar Properties was established with a very large capital budget to acquire and redevelop properties that were generally run-down and derelict in the Temple Bar area. The O'Connell Street Project, on the other hand, involves working with property owners and existing businesses to encourage them to develop and upgrade their properties. The regeneration of O'Connell Street is one of six city-wide integrated area plans, including the North Inner City, HARP, Liberties/Coombe, Kilmainham/Inchicore and Ballymun, all of which are progressing satisfactorily.
Much has been achieved to date in the O'Connell Street area, with the improvement of shopfronts and the widening of footpaths. Preliminary works for the construction of the Monument of Light has begun and we expect the monument to be completed this time next year, with the construction of the new plaza fronting the GPO to follow.
Some of the large private developments have been delayed unfortunately, but we are determined that the major objectives of the O'Connell Street Plan - published three years ago - will be met in the next two years. - Yours, etc.,
Anne Graham, O'Connell Street Project Office, Dublin Corporation, Wood Quay, Dublin 8.