THE recent Bord Pleanála decision in relation to the Carlisle Pier in Dún Laoghaire Harbour has cleared the way for an international Diaspora Centre to be erected on the site of the former ferry terminal building.

The Board ruled that the “the removal of the terminal building had resulted in a major improvement in the visual amenities of the Harbour and the demolition was also acceptable in terms of planning and sustainable development of the area”.

This latest piece of news will be music to the ears of the Harbour Company, which is currently engaged in a lengthy public consultation process about the design of a masterplan for the Harbour.

The Board’s findings sit very comfortably with the centre-piece for the masterplan, which envisages a landmark building celebrating Ireland’s diaspora and echoing international landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao or the Sydney Opera House.

Enthusiastic feedback from local residents and visitors to the area reflected a distinct commitment to a Diaspora Centre theme which has the capacity to attract up to a million visitors a year as well as providing jobs for the area.

Members of the public will have their first opportunity to view the consultation masterplan and meet the design team in the terminal building on Saturday and Sunday , June 11th and 12th from noon-6pm.