A call for the Government to pay €22 million every year in rates on its buildings and offices in Dublin was made yesterday at the launch of a citizens' charter for change drawn up by the Democratic Alliance on the city council.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Labour councillor Mr Michael Conaghan, introduced the "Democratic Charter for Change in Dublin", which outlines the principles for change under 15 headings, including housing, traffic, policing and planning.
The launch was attended by the leaders on the council of the Labour, Fine Gael and Green parties who lead the new Democratic Alliance on the recently-elected Dublin City Council.
Mr Conaghan said the council needed resources in order to carry out the changes and policy initiatives.
The Labour leader on the council, Mr Kevin Humphreys, called for the Government to pay the €22 million a year in rates on its buildings and offices.
"Dublin hasn't been getting its fair share of resources, and has been losing out over and over again."
He said Labour had been campaigning for a change in the law which exempts the Government from paying.
Mr Conaghan said they hoped the charter would impact on the issues affecting the lives of those who lived in Dublin.
"We think this charter incorporates responses to the issues and concerns raised on the doorstep, as well as factoring in some of the aspirations that Dubliners have for their own city."
He outlined some of the undertakings. One of the headings is a "Safe and secure city". Mr Conaghan said new strategies had to be created to combat inadequate policing, excessive drinking and drug abuse. "Policing is very patchy in Dublin in many places."
He said the Garda and communities must be brought together. There was a need for more gardaí on the streets and more resources.
The charter proposed community policing forums to promote co-operation between the council, gardaí and communities.
They wanted an end to traffic chaos. They would focus on pedestrians, cycling and public transport, and had been waiting for a meeting with Dublin Bus to discuss improved use of bus lanes and quality bus corridors.
On housing, the mayor said: "The Government promised affordable housing, and yet nothing has happened. It is up to people like us to hammer on the door and get something done."
He said the charter proposed working with the business community to ensure a thriving economy. It also undertook to tackle the problems of the disadvantaged, and to empower communities to engage effectively with the planning process.