Case Study:Urban Renewal: Ballymun: Urban renewal is when an area is given a face-lift-where an area is improved with better housing

and services for its residents. Ballymun was an area that had major social problems in the 1970s and people were living in high rise apartment blocks that had very poor facilities. About a decade ago, the majority of the high rise apartments were knocked down and replaced with low-rise apartment blocks and housing. People were temporarily re- housed and then relocated back into the Ballymun area which now has better facilities. Fatima Mansions- Dolphins barn: Urban renewalin Fatima Mansions in Dolphins Barn, Dublin Location: Dublins south inner city Problems: Lone parents lead 44% of households. Lone parents are at a greater risk of poverty than two parent families. Children under 15 make up 38% of population- double the national average. Community was educationally disadvantaged- 61 % of adults had no formal education qualification. Unemployment was 39% in 2005- 8 times the national average for that year. The community had high levels of ill health, school drop - out rates and a serious drug problem. These factors indicate social and economic disadvantage.

Renewal of the area:

The Fatima Regeneration Board began the process of renewing the Fatima community. In 2005 demolition and rebuilding began. Fatima mansions have been replaced by socially mixed homes. By 2008 600 households were living in the newly built area. Regeneration: Renewal projects in urban communities.

Social Renewal:

Regeneration board believed bricks and mortar was not enough. The quality of peoples lives had to be improved. An eight part programme has been put in place to achieve this.

1:

Establishment of a safe and sustainable community through dialogue between gardai and the community.

2: Raising

education levels in the community- appointment of education officer for adults and young people.

3: Improving peoples health by raining peoples awareness of health issues. 4: Providing training for employment through local training schemes. 5: Emphasis on arts and culture. 6: Development of sports and recreational facilities. 7: community facilities in the neighbourhood. 8: Raising environmental awareness by helping the community recycle and take
pride in a clean neighbourhood.