Liberty news

Communitybriefs

by Samantha McManus and Trudy Waters

Liberty Bell is new logo for IAP

Pimlico sculpture in jeopardy

The Liberty Bell in St Patrick’s Park has been chosen as the official logo of the Liberties/Coombe Integrated Area Plan. The National College of Art and Design chose the bell as they thought it appropriate for the logo to signify the changes being rung by the IAP.Mr Michael Stubbs, Project Manager for the IAP, is unsure whether Dublin Corporation will use this logo widely, but he hopes to use it at exhibitions and on a forthcoming newsletter for the Liberties/Coombe area.

Urban renewal and development earmarked for Pimlico is likely to mean the end for one of its most famous landmarks. A spokesman for Dublin Corporation said, "the sculpture on Pimlico has a poor visual value and is a key marker for development in the area." They hope to move the sculpture to a more suitable location in an effort to maximise its potential.Marie Stanley of SWICN, a native of the area, describes the sculpture as a "monstrosity" and believes it should be removed

Public banned from City Council Meetings

John Gallagher of SWICN, who has attended council meetings without fail for the past 25 years was refused access to the March meeting held at the Mansion House.He had never before been omitted from a meeting and described it as "a disgrace" that it was allowed to happen on this occasion.. Councillor Eric Byrne, who was in attendance that night, asked that Mr Gallagher be allowed to enter as there was plenty of room for him. He described as "ridiculous" the decision taken at the previous protocol meeting which prohibited public attendance. Furthermore, he was disappointed at the Lord Mayor, Joe Doyle’s apparent apathy to the exclusion of Mr Gallagher merely on a point of principle. He maintained that were he were to allow Mr Gallagher to attend, it would be unfair to others who were informed of the decision at the last meeting. Councillor Ciaran Cuffe, who was also in attendance that night, was in complete agreement with Cllr Byrne. "Its no good talking about honesty and openness if a ban is placed on the public from attending." He was, however, delighted that since the last meeting the ban has been lifted and each party can now have three members of the public in attendance.

Butter voucher review to help elderly

Senior citizens in the south inner-city are among those who will receive butter vouchers at a reduced rate of 36 pence before the end of March.The reduction follows a review of budgetary policy by the EU Council of Ministers. The vouchers are currently being distributed but those who benefit should be warned this could be the last year vouchers will be issued. The EU are said to be keen to reform the butter voucher scheme.