The seminar, Regenerating Communities – Constructing Hope, also heard the delays have resulted in the non-delivery of 1,673 promised new homes.
Held at the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission’s offices, the seminar was hosted by a community of practice made up of the regeneration boards from across the Dublin 8 area.
It aimed to highlight the long-standing issues and share insights from both local and international experiences in urban renewal.
Manus Bree, Regeneration Coordinator for Dolphin House and Dolphin Park, outlined the scope of the problem.
“The first of the regeneration projects in Dublin 8 commenced nearly 25 years ago, with the latest, Oliver Bond, due to start in 2027. The processes have been dogged by persistent delays,” he said.
“One of the consequences has been the long-term removal of 576 public housing units in Dublin 8 – at Donore/St Teresa’s Gardens, Dolphin House, and Emmet Road/Inchicore – and the non-delivery of 1,673 new, modern, and well-designed homes at these sites.
“Clearly, this is having a major impact on the housing list in Dublin 8 – where there was recently a demand for almost 2,400 public housing units – and the wider city.
“In addition, the fact the regeneration processes haven’t been completed has led to the removal of vital community infrastructure from Dublin 8, including four football pitches, a playground, and two community centres.
“The vacancy and dereliction issues associated with people having been moved out, have led to an increase in anti-social behaviour in the areas concerned, and the public realm has become run-down and abandoned.
“Finally, there are concerns the long delays in constructing new homes and facilities will undermine the community fabric in the areas, with many of the families who previously lived there opting not to return,” he added.
The ongoing failures in Dublin 8’s regeneration process are a stark reflection of wider issues within Ireland’s housing policy.
Una Lowry, CEO of Dublin South City Partnership, highlighted the frustration of tenants and residents who feel the regeneration model is flawed and inadequate.
Through consultations with local communities, she explained that many stakeholders feel disconnected from the decision-making process and disillusioned with the slow progress.
“We must recognise that these projects are not just about bricks and mortar – they are about people and communities,” Ms Lowry said.
“The failure to deliver homes and services as promised is undermining trust in the regeneration process and leaving vulnerable residents in limbo.”
In light of these mounting issues, experts are calling on the incoming government to prioritise the establishment of a Housing Oversight Delivery Executive.
Such an agency, they argue, would help cut through bureaucratic delays and ensure regeneration projects are completed in a timely and efficient manner, offering relief to those most in need.
