We need immediate action on Dublin waste management and cultural infrastructure

• Government has had the chance to put serious vacant homes tax in place, purchase key vacant sites in the inner city and increase drug treatment provision with billions in budget surpluses but it has failed.
• Almost 11months to the day since the riots in Dublin, Garda numbers in Dublin are only crawling up with no sense of urgency in addressing Garda crisis in the capital. Not clear how new target of 1000 additional Gardaí will be met.
• There must be no delay in moving to a single waste operator for the city. EU law in place to facilitate this. Irish Waste Management act must now be urgently amended.
• Housing scheme for city centre essential workers is very welcome.

Labour Senator Marie Sherlock has welcomed the publication of the Dublin Taskforce report, which highlights significant issues in Dublin’s waste management, regeneration, and cultural infrastructure. However, she has expressed concern over the lack of clear commitment from the Government to take the necessary steps to make this vision a reality.

Senator Sherlock said:

“It is a relief that the Taskforce has recognised the dysfunction at the heart of how waste is managed in Dublin. For too long, bin companies have driven past litter-strewn streets without addressing the issue, and there has been serious underinvestment in measures to reduce, recycle, and compost waste. There is a clear disconnect between the Government’s waste reduction laws and their implementation on the ground by waste management companies. This is not sustainable.

“We cannot afford to lose any more time. I have campaigned for years for an overhaul of waste management in Dublin, and Labour firmly believes that an urgent change to the Waste Management Act is necessary. This would pave the way for a more efficient system, one that reflects the needs of the city and its residents. We know from speaking to residents and community groups, particularly in the inner city, that there is massive frustration over the current state of affairs, and there is huge public demand for reform.

“It is welcome that the Taskforce acknowledges the major need for expanding cultural spaces in Dublin. However, I am concerned that reliance on the Department of Arts’ Space to Create programme will not meet this objective. The scheme, as it stands, is not fit for purpose. The spending limits are insufficient, and it will not meet the needs of the many artists and organisations looking to establish or expand in Dublin. I strongly believe that serious consideration should be given to establishing a dedicated cultural infrastructure company for the city to address these gaps.

“Dublin must first and foremost be a livable city, where those who work here can afford to live here. The current housing crisis is particularly acute for essential workers in the city centre, and addressing this must be a major political priority. We cannot allow a situation where key workers are priced out of the city they serve.

“Labour is calling on the Government to act now to make Dublin a cleaner, more culturally vibrant, and livable city.”