No progress in O'Devaney project talks

TALKS AIMED at reviving a regeneration plan for one of Dublin’s social blackspots, at O’Devaney Gardens, have ended without agreement.

Dublin City Council has told residents it has given up hope of going ahead with the public private partnership (PPP) with developer Bernard McNamara.

The O’Devaney project was one of five PPPs between the council and Mr McNamara which collapsed in May.

In the ensuing controversy, the parties agreed to try again to sort out their difficulties.

In a notice circulated to residents last week, the council says the talks with Mr McNamara and his partner in the project, Castlethorn Construction, have failed to make progress on the issues involved.

Sources say the council is now seeking an “exit strategy” from its contract with Mr McNamara.