Complex to be razed ahead of redevelopment plans

FOUR DERELICT blocks of flats in O'Devaney Gardens, Dublin, the scene of riots during the summer, are to be demolished "immediately" Dublin City Council has said.

The council had been due to demolish the empty flats in the dilapidated 1950s social housing complex last July, but deferred the work to allow for negotiations with developer Bernard McNamara in relation to the regeneration of the complex.

O'Devaney Gardens was one of five projects Mr McNamara had been due to redevelop under a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme with the council. The projects collapsed earlier this year after it emerged Mr McNamara could not get planning permission for the number of units he wanted, following a change in regulations on apartment size.

Last July, the council formally terminated its contracts in relation to two of the five regeneration projects - the redevelopment of St Michael's Estate in Inchicore and Dominick Street in the north inner city. Agreement was reached that Mr McNamara would go ahead with a project on Seán McDermott Street, while the council was to enter into mediation with him in relation to the final two projects at Infirmary Road and O'Devaney Gardens, both in Dublin 7.

However, during the summer, anti-social behaviour around the empty flats in O'Devaney Gardens, which had been detenanted in preparation for redevelopment, worsened. Several arrests were made following violent incidents which reached their peak in August when fighting after a wedding led to the attendance of several dozen gardaí at the complex.

In a report to councillors last night, city manager John Tierney said council staff had done their best to secure the site but, in the face of continuing anti-social behaviour, the demolition must go ahead immediately in the interests of health and safety.

Plans for the redevelopment of the complex were currently being finalised, he said. Councillors will be briefed this week on the redevelopment plans and the progress made to eliminate crimes which have included violent attacks on residents, vandalism and drug dealing. The progress of the other projects is also due to be discussed.