the tenants of Fatima Mansions in south Dublin have tabled proposals for the regeneration of the area by Dublin Corporation and have urged that construction work begin next July. RTE broadcaster Marian Finucane yesterday launched the community's regeneration brief in St Andrew's Community Centre, Rialto. She commended those present for their "energy and commitment".
Dublin Corporation would listen to their suggestions, she said. "It is truthfully my belief that you are pushing an open door."
The document, entitled Eleven Acres, Ten Steps, was compiled by a team of local people and outside experts over an eight-month period.
It calls for the establishment of a regeneration board to assemble a financial package for the development by next March.
This board would also negotiate an agreement with residents on details of type, density and delivery of housing and facilities. The residents have also called for a regeneration office to be opened to carry out an audit of tenants' housing needs and the need for community services and facilities.
Mr Joe Donoghue, chairman of Fatima Groups United, said the document contained 10 steps outlining the residents' needs in the development of the 11-acre site. He said they were meant as helpful suggestions for Dublin Corporation and other service providers.
"It's not an architect's plan for the redevelopment of Fatima. It's the corporation's job to commission that - we're not qualified. But we are qualified in another area - we're experts in our own lives. We're experts at survival," he said.
Ms Deirdre Reid said she had lived in Fatima Mansions all her life and it was where she wanted to raise her children.
"I'm there to stay." The effect of drugs on the community had been "frightening to see," she said, "but the community spirit is coming back."
Ms Irene Ward, manager of the Rialto Network, said she believed the regeneration document was the first time a community had outlined to State institutions how it wanted to play a part in its own future.
She said it was their projection that construction could start as early as July 2001 but the final decision lay with the corporation. "We feel very confident that they [Dublin Corporation] will engage with us in this process," she said.
Mr Philip Maguire, the assistant city manager, also attended the launch. He said Dublin Corporation welcomed the document and would study it.
However, he said it was "unlikely" the development, which could cost up to £30 million, would begin by next July.
"We are interested in working with the community. Whether we can realise everyone's aspirations remains to be seen," he said.