In commending this proposal to the County Council for consideration every effort has been made to treat each issue with sensitivity. However, it remains the central contention of this proposal that if we want the best for our County, we must be prepared to adopt the hard economic realities associated with development.

Heritage and our environment can only be protected by investment. Therefore, since public funds are limited and already committed, further funding must be sought through public/private partnerships in the development of the derelict sites like Blackrock and Dún Laoghaire Baths, the disposal of Moran Park House and the redevelopment of the greatest development asset in the County – the Carlisle Pier.

However, this proposal seeks to compensate for the commercial development of these sites by the establishment of a state-of-the-art Municipal Museum & Art Gallery in a totally refurbished Fire Station on Kelly’s Avenue in Dún Laoghaire. This would be the jewel in the crown of the County’s heritage portfolio and it would represent the realisation of the life’s work of many in the heritage and arts community of the County.

The question of the branding and image of the County has also been comprehensively addressed, as too, the issue of public accessibility to a number of newly proposed amenity areas on the coast from Sandymount to Blackrock and from Seapoint to Sandycove.

It recognises in a positive way our relationship with the City of Dublin and with the Port of Holyhead in North Wales – two valuable resources to the economic and tourism basis of our County, especially, the "Coastal Zone".

The proposals for the preservation of our streetscape and the creation of public spaces envisage an enhancement of the image of our villages and towns, the creation of a people friendly and clean environment and the recognition of distinct communities by the localisation of signage.

Overall, this proposal represents value for money for the County Council and the citizenry of our County. It seeks to relieve the County Council of costly liabilities, whilst, developing the leisure, recreational and entertainment facilities of the "Coastal Zone" and, in doing so, increase the commercial rate base of the County and provide a valuable heritage resource and more public amenities for the County.

The proposal is commended to the Dún Laoghaire Area Committee of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for consideration and, hopefully, implementation.