The Ballymun regeneration scheme has completed large parts of its original plans to regenerate one of Dublin’s most disadvantaged areas.
The recent introduction of IKEA means that Ballymun, Ireland, has more shoppers than the busiest shopping districts in Dublin. The schemes director Ciaran Murray says they are not finished yet.
The Regeneration Scheme which was initiated in 1999 to replace the dilapidated towers and houses that were built in the 60s “is materializing according to schedule” according to Mr. Murray.
Mr. Murray said that the scheme like everything else hasn’t been immune to the recession but there are major ongoing projects in Ballymun and funding is necessary to complete these. “Unfortunately the Pyrite finds in the hardcore has affected some buildings including the youth services building and this will necessitate remedial action over a two year period.”
He added, “The community programmes have come to fruition with a large range of social activities and attractions like the farmers market and lunchtime opera at the plaza, however there is a problem with the equestrian center with local teenagers not being accorded proper access to it, this is something we are looking into.”
A bronze statue of a teenage girl on a magnificent horse is soon to be unveiled in a prominent location in the town.
The horse is a replica of a statue of Viscount Harding’s horse which was very much admired when it was first exhibited 1859.
Mr. Byrne, the artist who designed the statue told The Epoch Times, “I chose that horse because I feel it does justice to the work. I don’t think a piebald pony would have the same effect.”
Regarding where the statue will be positioned in the regenerated Ballymun complex Mr. Bryne said, “It hasn’t been decided where it will be positioned, maybe in the square behind the leisure centre or in front of a row of flats near the Garda station, I would like it sited somewhere prominent.”
The arrival of IKEA has boosted the mood in Ballymun, scheme director Mr. Murray said, “It has attracted shoppers from all over the country and the success of the launch of the store in Dublin has created further employment opportunities.“
He added, “There were 12,000 applications for jobs in IKEA. That’s a lot of competition for jobs. Seventy jobs were secured by locals, we were hoping for more but the recession brought in applications from highly qualified people from all over the country and in recessionary times 70 jobs is welcome news.”
The target date for completion of the regeneration scheme is 2014. Mr. Murray said, “As part of our future plans we are hoping to develop student accommodation for Trinity College.”
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