The Irish Times

Plans to turn Parnell Square into "the jewel of the northside of Dublin" have been unveiled by Dublin City Council. With the rejuvenation of O'Connell Street nearing completion, the local authority has turned its attention to a square which is "undervalued, underused and under-performing", according to the Framework Plan for Parnell Square published yesterday. Upgrading of footpaths, lighting, trees and bus lay-bys are to be completed over the next 18 months, with the creation of a National Museum of Literature and the opening of a new northern entrance to the Garden of Remembrance planned for later years. In the longer term, it is proposed that Coláiste Mhuire on Parnell Square North will be converted into a luxury hotel, and the Rotunda Hospital gardens will be re-landscaped, and opened to the public. Some €200 million in public and private investment will be needed to deliver the plan over three phases.