Friday, December 16, 2005

Manhattan, Co. Dublin

The PD's want to create a Manhattan-style skyline on Dublin Bay, on the land that is now being used by Dublin Port.
Housing, offices, shops, waterfront promenades and parks could be built on more than 600 acres of land freed up by the move. The port would be redeveloped for cruise liners.

"“This has the potential to create a spectacular Manhattan-style approach to Dublin by sea,"” Mr Morrissey said.
This is remarkable for many reasons.

First of all, given that it's nearly impossible to get planning permission anywhere for a 5 story building, isn't it just a tad optimistic to imagine a cluster of 50+ story buildings going up anywhere in Ireland?

Second, the PD's are in government right now. And, the government only recently published its Transport21 plan for transportation in Ireland for the next few decades. There's nothing in there about a new sky-scraper city built where Dubln Port is now.

Third, Manhattan's skyline was not built simply to afford cruise passengers spectacular views. The city developed gradually in response to market demand for living and office space. This just smells of another government-led program from what is supposed to be our free market party.