I am delighted to be with you this afternoon to celebrate the completion of this €1.9 million Precinct Improvements programme here at George’s Place.
Today is a day of celebration for you - the residents of George’s Place. Originally built back in 1969, this complex had over time become less than adequate to cater for you and your families. Instead of sitting back and letting time takes its toll however, you had the determination and the interest to tackle the problems affecting your home place head on.
And for that I congratulate you today. When times are bad it is often too easy to turn a blind eye. As I am sure you will vouch today however, the rewards for coming together and working in partnership with local Government to improve the area in which you live are immense.
Due to the commitment of so many individuals and groups, George’s Place has been transformed today. The improved lighting and access points give a much safer feel to this area. Properly paved drying areas, the correct storage of bins and the replacement of drains, are all part of the basic – yet essential – infrastructure that is needed for housing developments to function properly. And of course the new play area is an important resource for the many young children living here, as indeed is the landscaping that will enhance the existing buildings and green areas.
I am particularly delighted that you also undertook to refurbish and extend this community hall. It will provide a social focus for young and old at George’s Place. I know that you have great plans for the hall – with senior citizen activities, childcare facilities, after-school clubs and computers all being made available. By providing such a range of facilities under the one roof, you will draw people together and ensure the development of strong community bonds between all of the residents here.
I would like to pay tribute to Dublin City Council and in particular Assistant City Manager, Brendan Kenny and Area Housing Manager, Joe Farrell, for overseeing this project. The project team headed by Dublin City Council architects under Cecilia Naughton and Douglas Beatty all deserve great credit for ensuring that the project was in keeping with, but also enhanced, the existing buildings. As we can see from the finished product before us today, Brace Grade contractors ably assisted them in their work.
Most importantly of all, I would like to thank you, the Residents’ Committee, for taking such an active interest in improving this housing development. It is participation and interest from groups such as you that provides the momentum for these projects. Without the support at grass roots’ level, it would be very difficult for the City Council to undertake their valuable work regenerating many older parts of Dublin city. It is only right, in fact, that people should feel a sense of ownership and take pride in the areas in which they live. It makes life much more pleasant and satisfying for everyone involved when that happens.
I know that Dublin City Council is currently developing proposals for other Precinct Improvement projects in the surrounding area. Tenders have been invited for works at Henrietta House and consultation is ongoing at Chancery House. An application has also been made to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for works at Constitution Hill.
The overall aim of the Precincts Improvement programme is to upgrade high-density housing complexes that have become rundown in recent years. Since 1997, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has invested some €112million in the programme in various projects around the city. Not only is this investment giving older housing developments a modern facelift, it is also helping to alleviate some of the social problems that have affected these areas in recent times.
The key to success however, is the active participation of all residents. The strong management ethos and sense of ownership that is ignited as a result, will stand to the community for years to come. Given all that you have achieved here today, I have no doubt that your work will prove an inspiration to many other inner city communities over the time to come.
I wish you every enjoyment of your new home place.
Thank you.
ENDS