Sale of Public Lands

At the January 2020 meeting of Dublin City Council, Mary called for Councillors to reject the CEO’s proposal to sell-off €90m of public land.

The disposal of public assets is a reserved function of Dublin City Councillors i.e. public land can only be sold with the approval of elected City Councillors. Mary urges all City Councillors to withhold permission for the sell-off of valuable public land. 

CEO of Dublin City Council submitted a report to City Councillors outlining his proposal to sell off more than 15 sites in the city and to use the funds to invest in culture, recreation, community and sporting facilities. 

The CEO states that without the sale of this land, developments like Dalymount and Rutland Street school cannot proceed. 

The report highlights the stark reality of inadequate funding for local government because of national government decisions.

Public land is a finite and precious resource in the city.   Once sold, the land cannot be replaced.  It is unacceptable that the state would sell-off land and/or fail to develop the land for the greater public good.

The suggestion that culture, recreation, sporting and community facilities would be funded in such an unsustainable manner is unacceptable.

Dublin City is in the grips of the worst housing crisis in the history of the state and Dublin City Council, as the local authority, should take a leading role to address the crisis and provide housing. 

Key to the provision of housing is the availability of suitable land.  Much of the land that the CEO proposes to sell is ideally suited for the delivery of homes and this must be the City Councils first priority. 

Despite national governments continued failure, Dublin City Council must take a lead to deliver social and affordable housing in Dublin City.  Public land in Dublin City must be developed to deliver Vienna Housing Model solution in Dublin City.

Mary asked that the CEO provide a report on what alternative sources of funding have been explored for each of the proposed developments in the CEO’s report.

Mary also asked that Dublin City Council seek retention of the full €80m paid in Local Property Tax by Dublin City homeowners, that the money can be ring-fenced for Dublin City, that public lands be retained in public ownership and that they are developed for maximum public benefit.    

Share:

More Posts

Protection of Retail Workers Bill

In April 2025 Mary introduced the Protection of Retail Workers Act 2025, a Bill aimed at amending the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to create specific offences for assaulting, threatening, harassing, or abusing retail workers while they are carrying out their employment. Retail workers across Ireland are on the

Read More »

Spokesperson on Dublin, Local Government & Heritage

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has appointed Mary Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Dublin, Dublin City Taskforce, Local Government & Heritage. Mary looks forward to championing our great capital, working with Local Authority Members and other stakeholders to strengthen Local Government and securing government support to protect, enhance and promote our rich cultural

Read More »

Seanad Election 2025

Mary has been nominated to contest the Seanad election on the Industrial Commercial panel by RGDATA. RGDATA is Ireland’s longest established retail representative association. Its members are the owners of over 3,500 independent family-owned grocery shops, convenience stores, forecourt stores and supermarkets throughout Ireland. RGDATA nominated Mary because they believe

Read More »

Neurological Conditions

Mary is proud to support the Neurological Alliance of Ireland and has pledged to make brain health a priority. Mary is the first general election candidate to NAI’s pledge of mplementing existing national strategies for neurological conditions, delivering on Ireland’s commitment under article 26 of the UNCRPD to provide comprehensive

Read More »

Join Mary's Newsletter

Quick Links

Home

About

Latest

Donate

Privacy Policy

Contact Details

© All rights reserved

Website by The Website Shop