Phoenix Park at risk from developers, claims senator
New land super-quango has power to buy up precious green spaces
OPPOSITION parties fear that huge powers given to the new Land Development Authority (LDA) could lead to the Phoenix Park and other parks being sliced up for building projects.
Builders have for years cast covetous eyes on the spacious woods and fields of Europe’s largest park, and the LDA will not need council approval to dole out lands to developers.
Though the Phoenix Park has never been developed, its former racecourse has been eyed up by developers, while there have also been proposals for funicular railways and casinos in the Park.
Now, Labour housing spokeswoman Senator Rebecca Moynihan, has called on the Minister for Housing to confirm that no part of the Phoenix Park or national park or heritage site will be seized by compulsory purchase under the new Land Development Bill.
The senator’s concerns are driven by what one source termed the ‘draconian’ powers of the LDA super-quango which allows it to acquire lands independently of local councils.
Senator Moynihan said: ‘The community value of the Phoenix Park, our national parks and heritage sites has been proved throughout the past year as many seek solace in these open spaces.’
She warned: ‘It’s our right as citizens to enjoy these spaces and the Minister must now confirm that they will not be at risk of a compulsory purchase order under proposals in the LDA Bill that is currently in the Oireachtas.
‘The Labour Party has put forward amendments to the Bill to ensure the Phoenix Park, National Parks and Heritage sites are excluded from the Compulsory Purchase Order powers of the LDA under the draft Bill.
‘As well as the importance to community wellbeing and mental health, national parks are vital natural solutions to bring down our carbon emissions and allow wildlife to flourish,’ she added.
Commenting on the Phoenix Park, which has been described as representing the lungs of the city, the senator said: ‘Green spaces must play a crucial role in the green development of any city and Labour would like to see parks and urban spaces as a major part of any city planning.’
‘Spaces such as the Phoenix Park protect communities, provide a space for people to make connections, to take time out of the busy, noisy world we live in and appreciate the natural environment,’ she said.Ms Moynihan added: ‘We want to ensure that these parks will be used for the common good for years to come.’
A Labour Party amendment to the Bill proposes to specifically exclude ‘any land that is being managed, maintained or developed as a nature reserve or a national park by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government’.
The amendment would also include ‘any land that is being managed, maintained or developed as a heritage site by the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland’ and specifically refers to ‘the Phoenix Park, Dublin’.
One source noted: ‘The motion is meant as a warning shot. That lot, Fianna Fáil, would build on the Hill of Tara if they got the chance.’
‘Motion is meant as a warning shot’