13 August 1998 Edition
Burke makes history in Ormond Square
By Michael Pierse
Dublin SF Councillor Christy Burke made history this week as the first SF Councillor since the foundation of the State to deputise for the Lord Mayor of Dublin.
His first responsibility in the role was the opening of the Ormond Square Improvement Scheme, part of the Historic Area Rejuvenation Project (HARP) which has set about giving a facelift to the deprived areas of Dublin's North Inner City.
The newly transformed Square, Burke said, ``reflects the desire of the residents to maintain the character of the old Square'', which during World War Two was the site of an air-raid shelter. High quality play units, a specially designed safety surface and trees have all greatly improved the scenery and indeed the atmosphere of the area.
Meanwhile, Councillor Burke has added his voice to those opposed to the closure of the Markets Area Community Resource Organisation (MACRO) in Dublin.
The community centre, which provides a wide range of facilities for local residents, has been given notice to vacate its offices by Capel Street Credit Union.
Leena Cooney, the Administrator of MACRO, praised the efforts of local community groups and residents in supporting the plight of MACRO. A well attended rally and an ongoing picket have been organised on the Credit Union, which residents say was originally intended to serve the local community, but has now developed closer links with businesses in the area at the expense of the less financially endowed residents.
According to some of those present at the opening, the MACRO building had originally been purchased for the meagre sum of £3,000 in 1970 from Irish Distillers. The company had agreed to this price on the basis that the local community would benefit from usage of the building. However, according to MACRO, the growth of the local business community has concurrently fostered a greed in the union, which has jumped at the chance of selling the building at a much inflated £125,000.
Dublin SF Councillor Christy Burke made history this week as the first SF Councillor since the foundation of the State to deputise for the Lord Mayor of Dublin.
His first responsibility in the role was the opening of the Ormond Square Improvement Scheme, part of the Historic Area Rejuvenation Project (HARP) which has set about giving a facelift to the deprived areas of Dublin's North Inner City.
The newly transformed Square, Burke said, ``reflects the desire of the residents to maintain the character of the old Square'', which during World War Two was the site of an air-raid shelter. High quality play units, a specially designed safety surface and trees have all greatly improved the scenery and indeed the atmosphere of the area.
Meanwhile, Councillor Burke has added his voice to those opposed to the closure of the Markets Area Community Resource Organisation (MACRO) in Dublin.
The community centre, which provides a wide range of facilities for local residents, has been given notice to vacate its offices by Capel Street Credit Union.
Leena Cooney, the Administrator of MACRO, praised the efforts of local community groups and residents in supporting the plight of MACRO. A well attended rally and an ongoing picket have been organised on the Credit Union, which residents say was originally intended to serve the local community, but has now developed closer links with businesses in the area at the expense of the less financially endowed residents.
According to some of those present at the opening, the MACRO building had originally been purchased for the meagre sum of £3,000 in 1970 from Irish Distillers. The company had agreed to this price on the basis that the local community would benefit from usage of the building. However, according to MACRO, the growth of the local business community has concurrently fostered a greed in the union, which has jumped at the chance of selling the building at a much inflated £125,000.