The St Michael’s estate flat complex in Inchicore is to receive a £60 million face lift thanks to a five-year Dublin Corporation redevelopment scheme.
Work on phase one of the three-stage refurbishment has already begun and is expected to be completed by 2006. The redevelopment will include new housing, social, sports, community and childcare facilities.
320 housing units will eventually replace the 346 flats at St Michael’s when the complex is finally demolished. The housing will range from nine-storey units and duplexes to 2-4 bedroom houses.
All 600 tenants currently living at St Michael’s will be offered the new accomodation and are expected to be re-housed by 2004.
Dublin Corporation has acquired lands at Goldenbridge Convent which will be used in phase one for senior citizen accommodation and by this autumn is expected to be used as an Integrated Services Complex offering employment, literacy and other services to the community.
The refurbishment of St Michael's Estate is one of 12 regeneration projects which also includes Ballymun and Fatima Mansions.
The projects will be funded by public and private investment at a cost of £1.5 billion.