A project to improve the quality of life for people in Dublin's south east inner city was officially unveiled today.
Around €7.5 million was spent on revamping the facilities around Pearse House which contains 345 flats in 16 blocks.
Lord Mayor Cllr Vincent Jackson said: "This is an excellent example of Dublin City Council and local residents working together to improve the quality of life in Dublin's South East Inner City."
The programme of improvement works on the Dublin 2 complex was carried out following extensive consultation between Dublin City Council and residents.
The improvements include providing privatised areas for the ground floor apartments and installing a state of the art Astroturf sports pitch and three new playgrounds.
In addition to the improved facilities, Dublin City Council also worked to redesign the entire courtyard area, enhancing its appearance and improving the safety and security of the complex.
An enhanced lighting system, together with improved regulation of car movements, parking and the installation of security gates and CCTV cameras were introduced.
Minister for the Environment Dick Roche said: "Not only has the visual appearance of the complex been greatly enhanced but the additional facilities that have been installed will provide greater recreational opportunities for residents."
The revamp included new dedicated play areas equipped for children of different ages. The courtyard has also been made more user friendly for residents with the provision of dedicated bin storage areas and clothes drying areas. The building, which is a protected structure, was also upgraded with the exterior of the complex painted.
Around €5 million of the funding for the improvement project was provided by the Department for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
The original Pearse House scheme was designed by architect Herbert George Simms and constructed between 1934 to 1936. Simms was first appointed as the architect to Dublin Corporation in 1925 and over the following 16 years completed 17,000 housing units in the city.
PA