Dublin Labour MEP Emer Costello has welcomed An Bord Pleanála's approval of Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) for a unified campus for the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) combined with a new HSE Mental Health facility and Primary care services at Grangegorman, Dublin 7.

The proposal is also significant in that it is the first SDZ to be adopted for Dublin City.

"As a former member of the Grangegorman Development Agency (GDA), public representative for the area and indeed local resident I gave evidence to the Bord Pleanala Hearing last November.

"The project is a critical regeneration project on a brownfield site in the heart of the North Inner City. The DIT campus is central to the plans for a new 'urban quarter' in the north city neighbourhoods of Phibsboro, Stoneybatter and Cabra.

"DIT is the country's largest single third level institution with over 20,000 students and the scattered locations for the delivery of its educational services across Dublin are a nightmare for students, staff and management alike. The provision of a single campus at Grangegorman would save rent and reduce maintenance and operational costs. Moreover, the new HSE Mental Health Facility is long overdue so that patients can live with dignity and not have to endure the dreadful conditions imposed on them last Christmas.

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"This Project was initially approved just prior to the 1997 election. I regret the ten year delay by the previous Government before establishing the Grangegorman Development Agency and commencing work on the Strategic Plan. This is despite numerous announcements coming up to the General Election in 2002 and the Local Elections in 2004. It is deplorable that one of the most critical strategic projects identified during the Celtic Tiger years was not prioritised and delivered when the resources were available to the State.

"Likewise, I was disappointed with the recent decision not to include Grangegorman in the Government Capital Programme. Nevertheless I have been encouraged by the commitment to continue with the project in the long-term and the determination of the Agency, the DIT and the HSE to continue with the project albeit at a slower pace.

"The decision is another step in a long road towards getting this campus built and the development of a new urban quarter in the north inner city. It is an important capital project which needs to be moved forward. The excellent Study on Employment Opportunities arising from the Grangegorman Development in the North Inner City, "Joining Up the Dots" carried out by CDVEC, DIT, FAS, GDA, HSE, North West Inner City Network highlights the enormous potential of this project for employment and education across the City."

(CD/GK)