Trinity College is to appoint a community liasion officer to interact with residents and local interests around its city centre campus.
In line with a commitment made in his election campaign, the Provost, Dr John Hegarty, is drawing up a specification for the post, to be advertised shortly.
The college announced a £90 million plan to convert the north-east corner of its campus on Pearse Street-Westland Row. It put the plans on public display as part of a consultation process with locals. Dublin Corporation is considering the planning application.
The college has been criticised by some locals for neglecting the area around Pearse Street in the past, but Trinity said yesterday the new north-east section, to include a swimming pool and sports centre, would be available at designated times to local people.
The community liasion officer will have a role in discussions with Dublin Corporation on planning matters and a particular brief to work with the disadvantaged in areas around the city centre.
The north-east corner of the campus is bounded by Pearse Street and Westland Row and bisected by the railway viaduct running into Pearse Station.
The project will involve a new college gate on the corner of Pearse Street and Westland Row, replacing the gate under the Westland Row railway bridge and a public entrance to the sports centre. There will be a relocated entrance for cars on Pearse Street.
The sports centre will be located partly below and partly above ground and provide a 33m Olympic "short course" swimming pool with adjustable floor.
A total of five lecture theatres will be provided by the development, including the largest lecture theatre in the college with about 550 seats. The theatres will be used for college and public lectures and for conferences.
Trinity has moved to deal with local criticisms that it has not involved the community enough in its activities.
A spokeswoman said a number of initiatives had been taken in recent months to foster good relations between Trinity and the community around Pearse Street and elsewhere.
There were a series of positive meetings with local representatives to address issues of mutual concern and a meeting between college management and Mr Eoin Ryan, Minister of State for Local Development, in recent months, for instance, she said.