Closure of Fitzwilliam Square Park – a continuing Scandal
Statement by Councillor Dermot Lacey
Labour Party – Pembroke Ward
25th June 2008
As part of his ongoing campaign to have Fitzwilliam Square Park opened to the public, former Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Dermot Lacey recently requested the City Management to pursue the opening of the Park
during a debate on the future development of Parks in the City.
Speaking at the Arts, Culture and Recreation Strategic Policy Committee, Councillor Lacey said that “the continued closure of this Park to the general public was a scandal and should not be tolerated. Securing
access to the Park has been included as an objective in the current and previous City Development Plans” and he urged City Management “to renew their efforts to have this remaining vestige of privilege abolished and restore the park to the people of Dublin”.
“As we enjoy the rare rays of sunshine it is quite simply unfair to the thousands of residents and workers here in Dublin that they should be locked out of this facility right in the heart of the City.”
At present Fitzwilliam Square Park is controlled by the elite Fitzwilliam Square Association Ltd a Company limited by guarantee. Voting Membership is controlled by the existing members. Any change of the lease or use of the Park would require the approval of the Pembroke Estate office.
For further information contact: Dermot Lacey at 087-2646960
