High hopes as two more towers fall

Phase two of the regeneration of Ballymun was launched before its potential residents yesterday. The £1.5 billion initiative will include the phased demolition of the 33-year-old tower blocks and their replacement with low-rise houses and apartments.

Construction is already under way on 560 new homes which will be ready by 2001. Phase two involves the construction of 671 homes and the demolition of the Clarke and McDermott towers.

Those who were on hand to see the Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey, unveil the plans yesterday - and at the same time launch a new children's playground - appeared to be divided between optimism and scepticism.

"We still don't know if we are going to get a house in phase two," said Ms Veronica Byrne and her husband, Christopher. Having lived in the flats for 29 years, Ms Byrne says they want a two-bedroom flat in the new development on Balbutcher Lane. "We were in phase one first but they moved us," she complained.

Ms Carmel Sheehan, who has lived in Sean McDermott Tower for 30 years, says she, too, was promised a new home in phase one and still doesn't know if she will get one in phase two.

"I suppose it's the Corpo's biggest decision, it's their boldest initiative yet," said Mr Peter Kelly of Sillogue Road, "but look at what happened with the last bold initiative, the towers. They opened a playground for the kids 30 years later".

Residents have been widely consulted about the new plans by Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, the company set up to oversee the masterplan. According to the company, the plans are clear. The Clarke and McDermott towers will be demolished in phase two as will flats on Balcurris Road and Sillogue Avenue, and the residents can expect to be rehoused by 2002.

Mr Paul Keogh of Sillogue Road hopes to participate in a Ballymun housing co-operative with his partner, Ms Debbie Dunne. Paul and Debbie have three young children and if the housing co-operative goes ahead, he could become a home owner in two years' time.

"It's about the only chance of ever owning a home on our wages, so, yeah, I'm hopeful," he said.