Heritage sites and tower blocks reflect aspirations of integrated plan

Dublin Corporation's recently announced redevelopment of St Michael's Estate in Inchicore is just one aspect of a major redevelopment plan for the Kilmainham and Inchicore areas.

Presented under five headings, the plan aims to tackle issues of economic disadvantage, social and community deprivation, environmental issues, physical development and marketing and promotion of the area as a viable place to live and work.

The area includes notable heritage sites such as the Royal Hospital, Rothe Abbey, Kilmainham Gaol, and Dr Stephen's Hospital but has typical inner-city problems of physical and social decay. It is bounded by Davitt Road to the south and Con Colbert Road in the north and runs from just west of Tyrconnell Road to St James's Hospital in the east.

The corporation's plan to regenerate the area combines private and public effort. The redevelopment of St Michael's Estate is being undertaken by the Corporation itself, but many of the commercial activities are being undertaken by other agencies such as CIE, which is a. It .

Refurbishment is also to take place in Abercorn Terrace and an integrated services complex is to be provided in the former Goldenbridge Convent. It is anticipated that the building should be in use by the end of this summer. The refurbishment of Tyrone Place is continuing and residents have visited similar refurbishments which have already taken place elsewhere in the city.

A dedicated space for adult literacy services is also to be provided in the former convent. Details of educational achievement were recently gathered and the resulting services will be based on this.

Traffic calming at Bulfin estate, the implementation of the Clondalkin quality bus corridor and work on the Luas line are being undertaken.

In terms of enterprise and employment, negotiations have taken place with significant employers in the area and all corporation contractors are required to recruit local labour. Training courses in bar skills and catering have been organised by CERT while a 46-week course with FAS capitalising in railway carriage restoration seeks to build on the area's traditional association with CIE.

Job vacancies in Parkwest industrial estate and the corporation itself are routinely notified to the local community.

In a bid to improve the physical appearance of the area, the corporation has identified and contacted the owners of buildings and sites and opened a dialogue with them about how best the properties should be developed.

Using a carrot and stick approach, the corporation provides information on tax incentives such as the "living over the shop" allowance, but warns that where no progress is made it may result to compulsory purchase orders.

A village improvement scheme is due to commence this month in Inchicore. It includes upgrading public lighting, laying granite and concrete flagstones and kerbing as well as new street furniture. Negotiations are underway with the heritage council regarding the future of Kilmainham Mill.

Further information is available on the Corporation's website at www.dublincorp.ie.