Dolphin House & Park Community Website

A Truly Civic Phenomenon - Dolphin House launch innovative plan for future of regeneration

28 Jul 2009

Dublin 28th July, 2009 - Today marks the launch of a landmark report, Dolphin Decides, which details the insights and findings from a unique community process in relation to the regeneration of Dolphin House and Dolphin Park in Dublin . Dolphin Decides outlines the wishes of residents in relation to how their community should be physically and socially regenerated, as well as the next steps needed to move the process forward.

"The consultation process behind Dolphin Decides represents a unique and innovative way forward for regeneration, not only of Dolphin House, but also for other community regeneration projects in the post public-private-partnership era," said Dr. Rory Hearne, Regeneration Worker with the Dolphin House Community Development Association (DHCDA), who coordinated the process". Regeneration of Dolphin House and Dolphin Park offers the potential to end a cycle of poverty and social disadvantage in this large community. The cost of investing in regeneration now is only a fraction of what the future social and economic costs of in-action would be. As Dolphin is at the heart of a key area of Dublin city, regeneration also has the potential to create knock-on economic and social benefits and job-creation opportunities for the surrounding community."

The report, which is the culmination of two years of detailed consultation amongst the residents of Dolphin House and Park, shows that there is a clear demand and need for significant regeneration: 82% of residents opted for significant regeneration - either for full demolition (67%) or demolition and internal refurbishment (15%).

Other key findings from the report demonstrate the strong sense of community in the estate. Despite the history of neglect in the area and recent and well reported problems in relation to drug dealing and intimidation, 70% of residents want to stay in the estate and 65% of residents cited Dolphin's most positive asset as good neighbours.

The report will be launched this morning by broadcast journalist George Hook as part of the annual Dolphin House Summer Festival in the Dolphin House estate where members of the community will join with regeneration partners Dublin City Council (DCC) and the DHCDA to celebrate this first step in the process of Dolphin's regeneration.

Speaking about the event, George Hook talked about the incredible community spirit evident in the development of the report. He said, "Despite the long history of neglect and exclusion that has beset this estate, the residents of Dolphin House and Park have demonstrated a huge sense of community spirit and fortitude in the face of adversity. I am delighted to help launch this report on their behalf. I am also inspired by their ability to overcome obstacles to create such an inclusive and progressive plan of action for their community and their futures."

"The Dolphin Decides report details the next steps that are crucial to ensuring this plan continues towards completion with the same momentum as the development of the report" said Jim Lawlor, Chair of the DHCDA. Mr. Lawlor continued, "We must together ensure that the momentum is maintained. The urgent and critical changes that are needed for children, adults, families and older people on the estate must be given the best possible launch pad so that action can happen despite these difficult economic times. This is also a noble aspiration of Dublin City Council and indeed a core duty."

"The Department of the Environment, together with City Council must now without delay, ensure the residents' needs and vision outlined in this document become a reality. Together, in partnership, there is no reason why Dolphin House and Park should not become the sparkling new model of successful regeneration for the nation," Mr. Lawlor said.

John Tierney, Manager Dublin City Council, commended the communities on the inspirational process behind the report saying, "I would like to congratulate the DHCDA on the innovative approach to the consultation process. I believe this process could be used as a template for future consultations on regeneration projects. A Project Architect will be assigned to Dolphin House in the autumn of 2009 to develop a master plan for the area; the Dolphin Decides report will be of major assistance in developing this master plan."

Crucially the report found that social regeneration is as important as physical redevelopment. Speaking on behalf of the community of Dolphin House and Dolphin Park , Jim Lawlor, Chair of the DHCDA said, "The lesson from other communities is that a vital Social Regeneration Plan must be developed immediately. This plan must build on and support the many services operating in Dolphin. They represent crucial supports for local people to better themselves and their community, build their life choices and provide family and estate-wide protection against the recession. This planning must start from day one and not be sidelined until physical regeneration commences."

Veronica Lally, a local resident on the community regeneration committee said, "I hope that the report is implemented. I really hope that this time we are not let down. I look forward to working on the regeneration. I hope that our dreams that are outlined in this document come true."

ENDS

For further information please contact:

  • Dr. Rory Hearne, Regeneration Worker, Dolphin House Community Development Association: 01 4544682; 086/1523542; hearner@yahoo.co.uk
  • Irene Lawlor: 086/3980441

Editor's notes:

About Dolphin House:

After Ballymun, Dolphin House is Dublin 's largest remaining public housing flat complex. The estate also includes a cluster of senior citizens' housing called Dolphin Park . Dolphin House has a combined population of around 920 residents.

Dolphin House consists of nine four storey and three storey blocks of flats. It was built in the 1950s. It is located on 18 acres between the Grand Canal and the South Circular Road in Rialto , Dublin 8. It is serviced by the Luas red line and is a short walk to St. James Hospital and the Coombe Hospital .

Key next steps from Dolphin Decides report:

  1. A Master Plan (detailed agreed plan for the physical development) must be negotiated and developed in full consultation with the community.
  2. The regeneration consultation process between DCC and the residents at the joint redevelopment board should be maintained.
  3. The board should become a legal entity that continues to be properly funded, as per best practice from other regeneration projects.
  4. The post of Dolphin's regeneration worker, currently funded by Barnardos, should be provided by DCC
  5. Day-to-day improvements must go ahead such as supporting community safety, working with the Gardai; solving the sewerage problems; providing play areas; improving the interiors of flats and stairwells; improving Dolphin Park , and ongoing maintenance to highest quality standards to ensure that the cycle of physical decay does not worsen.
  6. A vital social regeneration plan must be developed immediately to build resident leadership and capacity, education support and community health strategies as well as other key elements of social regeneration. This must not be delayed until physical regeneration has begun.
  7. Delays in the regeneration of Dolphin must not be allowed to happen. The DHCDA will work to ensure regeneration commences as soon as possible. It is important the other stakeholders particularly, DCC, the DOE and other state agencies do the same.
  8. Any future development/changes in Dolphin must continue to be made in full consultation with residents and active resident's participation must continue to be promoted and supported.

Other findings from report:

* The regeneration option chosen by residents must adhere to the guiding principles set out by architects Sheridan Woods:

  1. A viable community: It should have enough people and stability to support a vibrant local economic and social life.
  2. Feasibility: it should be doable in terms of economics.
  3. It should be in line with the vision of the present population.

* Residents reject the notion of a high rise development. They see low rise as more compatible and necessary to build a strong, cohesive and safe community with a positive identity.
* Most residents accept a mix of public and private households on the site but feel the number of private units shouldn't overwhelm the strong tradition of public housing and community identity

About the DHCDA:

The Dolphin House Community Development Association (made up of residents and representatives of local voluntary groups) administers the Dolphin House Community Development Project. This includes community development workers, a regeneration worker, the Dolphin Health initiative, crèche and senior citizen support.

About The Joint Redevelopment Board: The Board comprises six residents' representatives (three residents, a community worker and two Dolphin House voluntary groups representatives), three local councillors, two Dublin City Council representatives (the Project and Area Managers), with the Regeneration Worker as secretary. Fergus Finlay (CEO of Barnardos children's charity) is the independent Chair of the Joint Redevelopment Board.