My Department currently supports an ambitious approach to regeneration through holistic programmes of physical, social and economic regeneration. This year, my Department is providing funding of over €40 million in respect of regeneration projects in Dublin city, some €15 million of which is earmarked for projects which were previously included in the City Council’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme, including Saint Teresa’s Gardens.
A draft schematic regeneration proposal was developed by the Council, in consultation with the Regeneration Board, for Saint Teresa’s Gardens and submitted to my Department in March 2012. This document explores a number of options for the redevelopment of the area. My Department is currently liaising with the Council to further develop these proposals for incorporation into an overall Masterplan. As soon as this process has been concluded it is expected that the City Council will be in a position to provide projected multi-annual funding requirements for the future regeneration of Saint Teresa’s Gardens.
In advance of the completion of the detailed Masterplan, my Department approved a programme of social inclusion initiatives for Saint Teresa’s Gardens to commence this year. It is also expected that the demolition of vacant flats will commence later this year.