First phase of €200m facelift of Fatima Mansions flats marks start of a new era

A NEW era began yesterday for one of Dublin’s most deprived inner-city areas when the first phase of a €200 million facelift of the Fatima Mansions flats complex was unveiled.

The 150 social housing units, 70 affordable homes and 400 private apartments which also include a creche, retail units and a leisure centre will be completed by 2008.

The development replaces the old eight-storey flats in the 50-year-old complex, which became a monument to deprivation and drug abuse.

Launching the new development, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said: "We can make the city a better and safer place for residents."

He added: "The social regeneration of this area will make it a very happy and peaceful home for the next generation of dwellers."

Dublin City Manager John Fitzgerald said the local authority was committed to the social regeneration of the area and was providing affordable and private housing as well as essential local amenities.

Queen Rania of Jordan visited Fatima Mansions in March 2004 after she specifically requested to see a community with child- centred development programmes.

The Brophy family will be the first to move into the new development.

Margaret, 61, who raised eight children in a two-bedroom flat in the old complex, will occupy the first housing unit with her husband and three sons.

She said: "I've got a garden for the first time ever. I'm like a millionaire. It's a whole new start for all the children."

Regeneration of Fatima Mansions began in 2001 and was the first Private Public Residential partnership in the country.

Project manager Jerry Byrne of Dublin City Council said the notorious Fatima Mansions name will go and be replaced by other existing and new street names.

The Taoiseach said social deprivation of the past would not be allowed to re-occur as these housing units were purpose-built and statutory agencies were working very closely at community level.

Fatima Regeneration Board chairperson Finbarr Flood thanked the local residents for their patience and co-operation during building works.

Fatima Groups United spokesman Joe Donohoe said: "Residents can look forward to a bright future for themselves and their children.