Plans for expansion of the Rotunda must closely align with the redevelopment of Parnell Square, the Lord Mayor of Dublin has said.

Councillor Ray McAdam, Fine Gael's candidate in the Dublin Central bye-election, said that with plans to keep the Rotunda in the city centre there is an opportunity to build on proposals for the cultural quarter and improve the wider area around the hospital.

McAdam said: "Parnell Square is one of the oldest and finest Georgian squares in Dublin and its redevelopment must be conscious of protecting this.

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"The plans for the cultural quarter at Parnell Square are fantastic, but the process has been painfully slow.

"We must learn from this for future projects in the capital.

"There is potential here for Parnell Square to be both a cultural hub and a centre of medical excellence, but we must get it right.

"With a contractor expected to be in place soon we need to see the process moving as quickly as possible.

"We need conservation led investment right across the inner city. With the right approach Parnell Square can be the blueprint for revitalising buildings and improving public spaces across the city.

"The redevelopment project is expected to be completed by 2029 and the new planning application for the Rotunda is expected to be drafted before the summer. We need to see cohesion in these plans so that the area can be transformed.

"The vision for Parnell Square is strong. We must now focus on redeveloping the area alongside the Rotunda to ensure the north inner city is an area to be proud of," concluded Councillor McAdam.