Re: Re: “Bikes-for-Billboards” scheme exposes major planning flaws

PRESS RELEASE – AN TAISCE

AN TAISCE NOTES “SECRET” DUBLIN REZONINGS MAP PUBLISHED IN PLAN
MAGAZINE AND BACKS CITY BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS CALL FOR MINISTER
GORMLEY TO INTERVENE IN “BIKES-FOR-BILLBOARDS” DEBACLE

AN TAISCE NOTES THAT THE NEW BILLBOARDS BY JC DECAUX MAY HAVE BEEN
WORTH €150 MILLION TO JC DECAUX WERE THE SCHEME TO BE FULLY
IMPLEMENTED

AN TAISCE – 02 – 05 – 2008

An Taisce notes that a map entitled “Zones of Advertising Control” has
been adopted by Dublin City Council officials without proper
consultation with elected councilors, the public, or other interested
parties.

Whereas previously planning policy has had a presumption against
permitting new outdoor advertising billboards, this map now rezones
various areas and roads of the city for billboards. The map first
emerged when presented by Dublin City Council officials at oral
hearings last October regarding JC Decaux, and has now been published
by Plan Magazine.

It is highly problematic that such a policy has been adopted –
particularly in view of the critical issue of road safety. It is well
recognized that roadside adverts can distract causing a lapse in road
safety; it is for this reason that An Bord Pleanála generally rejects
such developments, and it is also worth noting the research by Dr.
Mark Young of Brunel University in this area.

An Taisce notes that a value of €150 Million has been estimated in
terms of revenue potential, had the scheme of 120 units been
implemented in full. In return the city was to get 450 bicycles and no
money. These figures were given as evidence by Stewart Fogarty of AFA
O’Meara Advertising, former chair of the Advertising Practictioners of
Ireland.

An Taisce notes the remarkable discrepancies in the figures given by
Dublin City Council, as carried in media reports. Whereas the scheme
when first announced was due to provide €90 millions worth of benefits
to the city, (by way of 450 bicycles, 4 toilets, and some
“way-finding” signage), it is now repeatedly reported that the scheme
is estimated to generate only €1 Million per annum, over 15 years.
This leaves a gross shortfall of some €75 Million. Where has it gone?

We also note the Dublin City Business Association has formally
requested Environment Minister John Gormley to intervene in this
matter, and fully support that this be done with urgency.

ENDS