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Mr. John Gormley, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage
and Local Government addressed the Greener Ballymun Conference
in Civic Offices, Ballymun.
The conference was part of the celebrations to mark the 10th
Anniversary of Ballymun Regeneration and involved several
presentations on environmental initiatives implemented as
part of the project.
Speaking at the conference, Minister Gormley said - "It
is fitting that a conference such as this one takes place
here in Ballymun, as you have been leading the way in terms
of communities' changing their behaviour and taking on initiatives
to enhance and protect the environment. Partnership is key
and I am delighted to see community groups, neighbourhood
councils, residents, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, Dublin City
Council and Global Action Plan (GAP) all working together.
You are a shining example to other communities across Ireland."
The Minister said that he had established a biodiversity
fund for capital projects to support site conservation and
management for the enhancement of biodiversity at local level.
He congratulated Ballymun Regeneration on taking the initiative
in preparing the Ballymun Biodiversity Action Plan and said
that it is vital that we increase these efforts at all levels
of society.
He spoke about the significant achievements which have been
made in the last decade since the publication of the Masterplan
for the new Ballymun in March 1998. "It is worth noting
that, prior to the regeneration programme, 90% of the traffic
on the Main Street was passing through. Ten years on, Ballymun
is moving from being a 'through route' to a destination
in its own right.
"The achievements to-date provide the basis for ensuring
that the residents and businesses in the area can grasp the
opportunities denied to previous generations - yielding a
strong, vibrant and, ultimately, sustainable Ballymun for
the 21st century" - Minister Gormley added.
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