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Dolphin's Barn project still on track

Wednesday, 11 November 2009

RESIDENTS of the Southside's largest social housing complex have rejected claims that a long awaited regeneration process on their estate has been abandoned. Recent media reports suggested that the regeneration of the Dolphin House flats complex in the Dolphin's Barn area of Dublin 8 had been halted. However, residents and members of the Dolphin House Regeneration Board contacted Southside People last week to insist the process is still going ahead as planned. Dr Rory Hearne, regeneration worker for Dolphin House, said residents were keen to dispel the rumour that the process had collapsed. He stressed that they were currently working in conjunction with Dublin City Council on developing a masterplan for the regeneration of the area. “There is a strong community in Dolphin House,” he said. “It has shown amazing courage, spirit and innovation and will continue to work, as it has done, to improve things.” According to Dr Hearne, residents are working with architects to develop plans for a newly regenerated Dolphin House that will involve the complete demolition of existing buildings, new social housing, private and affordable housing, green areas and improved community facilities. “This is the start of what could be a new vision and model of regeneration,” he added. “Residents and community groups will be working with DCC to develop this vision into a masterplan for regeneration in the coming months.” Ongoing accommodation and maintenance problems have dogged the estate that has suffered from poor design and layout, severe sewage issues, dampness, overcrowding and unsuitable community facilities. Veronica Lally, who has lived in Dolphin House for 40 years and is a member of the Dolphin House Regeneration Board, believes the city council is committed to the regeneration process. “We are in a particular economic climate now and I don't think the regeneration is going to move at the moment but I do hope the area will be regenerated in the next couple of years,” she said. “We are trying to do the best we can here to get ourselves organised and put a plan forward that will be accepted by the city council.” She added: “I think the council genuinely want this to move forward. We meet with them every month and they are showing concrete evidence that they want this to go ahead as well.” A spokesperson for the city council said it was committed to the regeneration of Dolphin House and park. “The council is confident that the regeneration of the housing complex will assist in the regeneration of the wider Dolphin’s Barn area,” he said. “Architectural support will be provided shortly to assist in drawing up a masterplan for the regeneration of the site. We wouldn't be in a position to say when the physical building will take place given the current economic conditions.”a