The Finglas Enlivenment Project
Dublin, Ireland
Urban regeneration and renewal
Abstract
The Finglas Enlivenment Project focusing on the rehabilitation
and revitalization of Finglas, was implemented in order to address
the physical, social and economic problems experienced within
the area. Staff of the Planning Department promoted a new approach
of planning practice based on large scale public involvement.
In theory public participation in planning had already existed
in the past, but in practice decision making whilst preparing
Development Plans occurred only at the highest level. The Finglas
Enlivenment Project involved physical improvement projects within
the town centre focused on conservation and heritage, employment,
recreation, amenity, the environment and arts. The physical improvement
projects were complemented by various activities which were aimed
at involving all of the community in the life of the city. These
included sculpture parks, gardening competitions, annual arts
festivals, and tidy town competitions.
Policy Goals
The goals of the Finglas Enlivenment Project were: to enhance
the image of the city centre so that the inhabitants could be
proud of it; and to make the public, and in particular the children,
aware of the natural and cultural heritage of their city. Particular
emphasis in the rehabilitation projects was given to the presence
of trees within the city and to the needs of pedestrians.
Present Stage of Development
Work on the Finglas Enlivenment Project commenced in 1991. Several
activities have already been implemented, and additional activities
will be implemented as resources permit. It is not possible, however,
to define a timescale for this.
Background Information
Finglas is a suburb on the northwestern periphery of Dublin City
consisting of large areas of social housing which were built to
accommodate inner city slum dwellers during the 1950's; some private
housing; an industrial estate; and a relatively small commercial/shopping
centre in the old Finglas village.
Over a long period there was a severe lack of investment and confidence
in the town. The physical environment of the large social housing
areas was monotonous while the social and economic characteristics
of the area reflected high levels of deprivation. The area had
many vacant buildings and the town centre a number of derelict
sites and a rundown second rate appearance.
Implementation
Strategy
The originality of the approach developed by the Finglas Planning
team is based on the fact that priority was clearly given to community
participation in the rehabilitation of the environment. This required
a human involvement higher than that of a classic approach despite
the fact that implementation may seem limited in comparison with
the efforts made. A comprehensive approach was implemented, which
supplemented the projects aimed at the rehabilitation of the builtup
area and the public spaces, through various activities such as
sculpture parks, gardening competitions, annual arts festivals,
and tidy town competitions. These public exhibitions were intended
as a means of involving all of the community in the life of the
city.
Activities
The comprehensive planning approach evolved over a number of years
of working on a partnership basis. It covered the following areas:
the town centre; conservation and heritage; employment; recreation,
amenity, environment, and the development of a new community interest
in the arts. Several projects have been implemented. Examples
include the rehabilitation of the Chamber of Commerce and of the
central square, restoration of Rosehill House which is one of
the few buildings of architectural importance and character in
the area, and the enhancement and restructuring of several public
spaces along main streets and around significant urban public
buildings such as banks, commercial centres, churches.
Partners
The main actor was the local authority, Dublin Corporation, working
in close collaboration with local business interests represented
mainly by Finglas Chamber of Commerce as well as local residents,
community and arts groups. The Finglas Area based Partnership
will also be involved in future local development initiatives
in the area.
Analysis
Results
The approach has had very positive results both from within and
outside the area. These include better relations between commercial
interests/ community groups and the statutory agencies within
the area; physical improvements which have been carried out in
parts of the village centre; a greater awareness by the community
of its natural and cultural heritage; and a more balanced media
presentation of the area.
Barriers and Conflicts
Lack of resources limited the extent of implementation. Major
traffic problems in the area, which will be alleviated when a
new by-pass currently under construction is completed, caused
additional problems.
Lessons Learned
The unique aspects of this project in terms of community involvement
in town planning, have been recognised at a national and European
level. The change in planning practice evolved through:
- operating as a team, i.e. synchronising the forward planning
and development control functions;
- identifying key individuals and groups within the area;
- working with groups identifying common goals and promoting community
objectives;
- seeking early consultation on development proposals, and promoting
development where required;
- promoting the positive aspects of the Finglas area including
its historic and cultural heritage, and utilizing the media to
provide a more balanced image of the area.
Further information
Mr Finian Matthews
Department of the Environment, Urban and Rural Development Section,
Custom House,
Dublin 1, Ireland
Tel: +353-1-679 3377
Fax: +353-1-874 8312
Acknowledgements
The original text for this project summary was developed by Beture
Setame (September, 1994). Revision by EURONET, 1996.
© EURONET/ICLEI Consortium, 1996. See Impressum.