PRESS RELEASE

15th April 2011

Speaking at the event, Simon Brooke, Chair of Clúid, said, “It is a sad fact that many local authority estates built in the 1960s and 1970s have fallen into disrepair, with negative economic and social consequences for entire neighbourhoods. Regeneration is a cost-effective way of providing a high standard of housing and rejuvenating local communities.

“As a country, we can’t afford not to invest in regeneration, because without such spending estates will continue to deteriorate and social problems will multiply and ultimately result in greater costs to the exchequer.

“Successful regeneration supports the Government’s commitment to sustainability because it makes best use of existing dwellings by improving energy efficiency with more efficient heating, a reduction in pollution and CO2 emissions., and a cleaner and healthier environment.”

The transfer of social housing stock from a local authority to a voluntary housing association is often the best approach for regeneration projects, claims Clúid. It facilitates access to additional funding sources, reduces the pressure on local authorities’ already overstretched internal resources, and allows for flexible and creative responses. In addition, the active involvement of the local community in regeneration projects is crucial to their success. In St Michael’s Road the partnerships between the residents and local community, the local authority, local representatives, Clúid, and other local groups have all been key to the project’s success. Four years of consultation between Clúid and its design team and the local community and the local authority has resulted in a design for the new street that will not only address the housing need but be a place that people will be proud to call home.

“Clúid has a proven track record in this area,” said Simon Brooke. “We have successfully managed regeneration projects in inner-city Dublin and in rural towns such as Ballina, as well as St Michael’s in Longford. Regeneration makes social and economic sense, and we would like to see voluntary housing associations becoming involved in more regeneration schemes around the country.”

Clúid has produced ‘A Stock Transfer and Regeneration Guide’, which outlines the rationale for stock transfer from a local authority to a housing association; the processes involved in that transfer; and the various options for an estate or area, from basic refurbishment to full social and physical regeneration.

Elaine Keogh, chair of the Harmony House Management Committee said “With the regeneration comes the rebuilding of a new community bringing new life and activity to an area that has long since been forgotten. We are very enthusiastic about the new development and wish to thank Clúid, who have been very supportive, for all their assistance in bringing this to a reality as residents were becoming despondent in ever seeing it happen.”