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How do you solve a problem like Clongriffin? The bubble burst leaving the new north Dublin suburb in the lurch. Now designers and architects are figuring out what can be done to create a sense of community... SO WHAT do you do with a place that’s merely a fragment of what was planned? Clongriffin, on the north fringe of Dublin, was supposed to have a population of 30,000 to 40,000, with all the communal facilities they would need. But construction ground to a halt when the bubble burst, leaving the area’s residents high and dry.
Enter Designing Dublin, a unique initiative by Design 21st Century, founded by Jean Byrne and Jim Dunne, who are both members of the Crafts Council of Ireland with backgrounds in business. Dunne was inspired by an exhibition at the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art about how design could address current challenges.
They brought in Vannesa Ahuactzin, a young American architect who did a year’s programme at the Institute Without Boundaries in Toronto, which specialises in design innovation and inter-professional collaboration.
“We see the designer as a problem solver with the ability to effect positive change for humanity,” says its website.
The outcome was Designing Dublin: learning to learn , a pilot project to show how it’s possible to bring together people from different backgrounds to work together intensively for three months – an experience that would be transformational for them and “could transform this country in the next five years”, according to Jean Byrne.
“A lot of people are now volunteering to work overseas, but we need to get things done here as well. Unemployed architects and engineers could get involved in this kind of work all over the country, building and shaping a whole new way of doing things. If we could get even 10 per cent of those unemployed, it could really transform Ireland.”
With the support of Dublin city manager John Tierney and former Accenture chairman Terry Neill, who’s now on the board of CRH plc, the project developed legs. More than 100 people applied to take part, and 17 – divided equally between the public and private sectors – were selected following the personal ordeal of a day-long interview.
The chosen theme of the project was to “find the hidden potential of place”, and the challenge was to apply this to Clongriffin, a place that barely exists. Apart from all the new apartments, its main “boulevard” has just five businesses operating – a Chinese takeaway, an off-licence, a chemist, a hairdressing salon and (what else?) a Centra.
All of the remaining retail units are vacant, giving the boulevard a desolate air. “We realised there was a lot of wastage in this country during the Celtic Tiger years,” says Vannesa. “So in working on Clongriffin, we wanted to see what is there to tap into, to engage residents in taking ownership of area, make it more interesting.”
The 17-strong project team, ranging in age from 21 to 53, set about trying to understand the place by talking to the people who live there. Not surprisingly in a new area, many of them felt isolated – but many were also keen to get involved in building a community spirit, especially as they are now pretty well locked into living in Clongriffin.
Working with kids (no less than 13 nationalities are represented there) in the two prefab schools, the team gave them a series of images of things in the area, asked them to draw a picture of their favourite place, and ended up with a series of paintings that were put on exhibition in a vacant shop which was turned into a café for a day.
“We only had Thermos flasks and paper mugs, but it was very, very successful,” Jean recalls. “Parents came along, of course, and even curious teenagers walked in and started participating. In no time we had all these conversations going about what they’d like to see happening in Clongriffin.”
One thing the locals are very proud of is Father Collins Park, which Dublin City Council opened last May, with five wind turbines to generate electricity.
At 52 acres, roughly twice the area of St Stephen’s Green, it was designed by Argentinian architects Abelleyro + Romero, who won an open competition for the €20 million project in 2003.
“The park is a huge asset, people are really inspired by it so that’s very good at building optimism,” says Vannesa. But the Designing Dublin team found that the children also wanted access to “wild nature” – like the pond with swans in it half-way along an unfinished pathway to the coast. For them, this is a magical place.
One of the five projects selected for detailed study by a sub-group is to complete the missing link of 300 metres, so that Clongriffin residents can make use of the trail.
The aim is to get them directly involved in the project, even designing it themselves, so that the community will have a sense of ownership of this potentially important amenity.
Another project is called Hothouse – essentially, a community centre where people can meet. Prototype designs for this much-needed facility, on a site just south of Father Collins Park, are being worked up by local residents with the aid of four architectural technicians from the DIT School of Architecture. The final scheme might even be built.
Other projects include Grow Local, which aims to help budding entrepreneurs by providing space for them to develop their ideas, using one or other of the many vacant retail units as a base.
Gerry Gannon, who owns most of the development land in Clongriffin, is said to be sympathetic to the idea of making premises available.
Another sub-group is looking at Local Expression, which is essentially about enlivening the area and perhaps even transforming some of the areas of wasteland left over after the boom came to a sudden end. This might include painting hoardings around the sites and turning them into art objects, like the gable murals in Belfast.
Finally, residents felt there was a need for a “communications exchange” to let people know what’s going on.
They already have a website (www.clongriffinresidents.com) and big billboards packed with local information, but the more innovative ideas include messages in the sky, given that it’s visible on the approach to Dublin Airport.
End-of-project activities this Saturday from 11am to 9pm include a “60-minute makeover”, transforming an empty shop beside Centra on Clongriffin’s main street into a prototype community “hothouse”, an exhibition of models made by local children showing how they see the future, and to cap it all, an an “imagination celebration”.Report Environment Editor FRANK McDONALD - Irish Times. Ireland Property - Daft Property - http://daftproperty.blogspot.com  |
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Strikes no answer to crisis...AT A time when social solidarity and a sense of personal responsibility are needed as never before, employees in the most protected sector of the economy have behaved selfishly. A one-day strike by a quarter of a million State workers – and the threat of more to come – has damaged our international reputation and made the task of economic recovery even more difficult. When all the rhetoric and special pleading by trade union leaders is stripped away, what is left is the unattractive face of mé féinism.Public sector workers can argue they are not responsible for the recession and that they have already been forced to pay a pension levy. But their anger at the banking sector; at the Government’s mishandling of the situation and the various regulatory failures that contributed to our current difficulties is shared by workers in the private sector and does not exempt them from the tough fiscal actions that are now required to correct the public finances. Just as their colleagues in the flooded regions of the west and south continued to work yesterday in order to help threatened communities, they also have a duty of care to the citizens of this State. The threat posed to the future welfare of Irish society by a €25 billion shortfall in the public finances is as immediate and fundamental as the rising waters of the Shannon. This is a time of national emergency. There is no point in vested interests demanding that others should carry the burden of financial repairs, while seeking immunity for themselves. Every individual and group should be required to contribute according to their means. Next month’s budget will represent just the first step in an extended recovery programme that will, inevitably, involve reform of the taxation base and a restructuring of the State’s public services. The Government and the main Opposition parties have acknowledged the need for a €4 billion cut in public spending next year. And while they disagree on how those savings might be achieved, they accept it will be necessary if public debt is not to spiral out of control. The Government plans to save one-third of this amount on the public pay and pensions bill. It has invited public sector unions to discuss the issues today. For their part, union leaders have offered to consider changes in work practices and reductions in numbers. They have urged delay in repairing the public finances. And they have threatened further industrial action if pay cuts are imposed. On the face of it, it would seem impossible for the Government to achieve its proposed savings without confrontation. Strike action solves nothing. It sows the seeds of division at a time when we need to work together. It is being used here to defend the existing pay and conditions of a privileged group of workers. If the Government backs off, additional cuts in services and welfare benefits will be required. The most vulnerable sections of society will be affected. That would be neither equitable nor fair in current circumstances. If social partnership means anything, it should involve discipline and responsibility. This will be its ultimate test. Report - Irish Times Ireland Property - Daft Property - http://daftproperty.blogspot.com 
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Read more... - Selfish Strikes By S...
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Over 77,000 now behind on mortgage or rental bills.
Figure twice previous estimate...AT LEAST 77,500 households are in arrears on their mortgages and rent payments. This is more than twice previous estimates of the numbers of people struggling to keep a roof over their heads. It is a clear sign that the country is now gripped by a mortgage and rental crisis, experts said. Also, one in five households are struggling to pay credit card bills, credit union loans and overdrafts. Higher-income families are more likely to owe money to credit card companies and to be overdrawn. The major study of incomes and living standards by the Central Statistics Office indicates that thousands of homeowners and those who rent are so deep in debt that many are at risk of losing their homes. The frightening figures underscore the mortgage misery in the country and stress the need for a rescue scheme for heavily indebted families, mortgage experts said. However, a leading economist said last night the arrears figures may be higher as the CSO study relates to last year. Since last year there has been a 30pc rise in the average numbers joining the Live Register every month. The CSO figures also lay bare the extent that Irish families are mired in all sorts of debts, apart from housing loans. One fifth of households are now in arrears on a range debts, with higher-income people more likely to have arrears on credit cards, overdrafts and mortgages. Lower-income people are struggling to pay utility bills for ESB and Bord Gais. The report also shows that overall household income rose last year, largely due to payments like child benefit. This was largely become more than one-fifth of the average income of households now comes from social transfers such as state pensions, child benefit and other welfare payments. Welfare This is likely to bolster arguments to cut social welfare payments in the Budget. But it is the mortgage and rent arrears figures that are most likely to cause a stir. Previous estimates from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and housing charity Respond had estimated that the numbers in arrears on their mortgages could be as high as 35,000. But the CSO's Survey of Income and Living Standards says that 4.9pc of households are in arrears on mortgage repayments and rents. It does not separate out figures on mortgages arrears. There are 1.58m households, according to the CSO's assistant director general Siobhan Carey. This means that 77,513 people are in arrears on their rents and mortgage repayments. There are 645,000 residential mortgages outstanding. Goodbody economist Dermot O'Leary said that the situation for cash-strapped households was likely to have become more difficult this year. On average an additional 13,000 people are signing on each month this year, compared with 10,000 joining the Live Register last year, when the CSO study was carried out. Mortgage adviser Karl Deeter of Irish Mortgage Brokers said the CSO report showed the country was suffering a mortgage crisis. The courts are seeing an average of around 100 repossession orders a month for homes. However, few of these cases end in repossession orders being granted. Earlier this week the Cabinet decided it would fast-track a scheme to rescue mortgage holders at risk of losing their homes. The issue is being pushed at cabinet level by Energy Minister Eamon Ryan following agreement in the Programme for Government to put in place a mortgage scheme to avoid families being forced out of their homes. The new scheme is expected to be agreed within weeks, with new measures in place by early next year. Yesterday's CSO report also showed that one in 10 families had an outstanding balance they owed on their credit card, with many of these owing more than €2,850. Most families reported that they were falling behind with their payments on mortgages, rents and utility bills. Almost one in 10 families were struggling to meet mortgage or rent and ESB bills. Report by Charlie Weston - Irish Independent. Ireland Property - Daft Property - http://daftproperty.blogspot.com 
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Read more... - People Struggling To...
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• Kroenke now 1.2% off mark that would trigger takeover bid
• Latest tranche cost the American £8,500 per share Stan Kroenke has increased his stake in Arsenal to 28.7%. The American billionaire businessman has bought 80 more shares in the company, edging him closer to the 29.9% mark that would trigger a formal takeover offer for the remainder of the club. After more than doubling his stake over the last year, the owner of the Denver Nuggets basketball team bought his latest 80 shares at £8,500 each.
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Read more... - Kroenke nears Arsena...
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Budget airline Ryanair risks wrath of watchdog as passengers face mandatory £5 online check-in fee Millions of Ryanair passengers face a mandatory £5 online check-in fee from tomorrow as Europe's largest short-haul airline abolishes check-in desks. The low-cost carrier's latest cost-cutting move is likely to attract scrutiny from consumer watchdogs, who have tolerated Ryanair's add-on fees because they can be avoided by, for instance, not checking in bags. Passengers will now be forced to register for their flight online – a privilege costing £5 a flight, or £10 for a return flight. The Air Transport Users Council, the UK air passenger watchdog, warned it would report the mandatory charge to the Office of Fair Trading, which has had several run-ins with Ryanair over the display of online fares. A spokesman for the airline said the deadline was largely symbolic because it had already prohibited airport check-ins for bookings made after May this year. He added that customers could escape the check-in charges by booking a promotional fare – a discounted ticket that accounts for about 40% of Ryanair fares. "Anybody who has a problem with the charge just needs to fly on a promotional fare," the spokesman said. Ryanair passengers need to check in at least four hours before their flight, and if they forget to print their boarding pass it will cost £40 to replace it at the airport. Luggage can still be checked in at bag check-in areas, which will be the main Ryanair presence at airports. Michael O'Leary, the chief executive, said abolishing airport check-in desks would save the airline about €50m (£46m) and help maintain the low fares that underpin its pile them high, sell them cheap strategy. The airline carried 58.5 million passengers last year and generated €600m (£545m) from add-on fees such as baggage check-in and credit card booking costs. Ryanair is also increasing its luggage check-in charges this month. The cost of checking in a bag will rise from £20 to £30 for a return flight, while the levy on a second bag will increase from £40 to £70. Ryanair said the higher fees would reduce checked-in luggage and cut baggage-handling costs, allowing the airline to lower ticket prices. It said baggage charges had reformed passenger behaviour, and 70% of Ryanair customers travelled with one piece of hand luggage and no check-in bags. Ryanair has pledged to slash average fares by 20% over the next 12 months, from €40 to €32, including check-in charges. It said the move would save passengers €500m, while higher bag charges would add just €100m to travellers' costs. Rival airlines have warned that constant tinkering with add-on charges could turn off passengers, but Ryanair has continued to grow, carrying 19% more passengers in August as it maintained aggressive expansion plans.
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Read more... - Ryanair scraps airpo...
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Deep-pocketed gastronome to get three-course meal in London Eye capsule cooked by Gordon Ramsay restaurant In the competitive world of dinner parties, there is a sure way to get one up on your rival hosts: book one of the world's most famous chefs and have him cook you a meal in a capsule on the London Eye. A deep-pocketed gastronome has just paid £23,000 in a charity auction for Gordon Ramsay to do just that. On 9 October, Ramsay will be serving up a menu from his three-Michelin-starred restaurant for the anonymous bidder, plus nine of his or her friends, as they enjoy views over the Thames and across London. All the money is going to Starlight, a charity which grants the wishes of a lifetime for seriously and terminally ill children. Other top restaurants, including the Ivy, Corrigan's Mayfair and L'Anima, will also serve dinner on the London Eye in October as part of the London Restaurant Festival. Members of the public can make sealed bids to hire out the capsule restaurants, with bids starting at £5,500 – 5% of the winning bids will be donated to the food aid charity Action Against Hunger. As Masterchef viewers know, timing is crucial in cooking. If Ramsay gets it wrong on the night, his diners may be waiting a long time between courses – the ferris wheel takes half an hour to complete a rotation, and will stop only briefly at ground level for chefs and waiting staff to hop on and off. Three courses will be served, followed by a champagne finale. Guests will have to behave themselves: theirs will be the only capsule illuminated on the wheel as it turns, giving passersby a chance to witness any indiscretions. It usually costs £440 to hire out a whole London Eye capsule for one rotation, while the seven-course set menu at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London costs £120, not including wine. Yesterday the organisers of the London Restaurant Festival were tight-lipped about who had made the £23,000 bid, and could not confirm that Ramsay would be actually cooking the meal – "but he will definitely be there on the night", said a spokeswoman. Earlier this month, Ramsay lost his temper with the BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull when he asked the chef whether he still cooked in his restaurants. "Of course I still cook," said Ramsay. "When you go and spend £500 on an Armani suit and you are happy with it, you don't ask the lady at the desk whether it was Georgio himself who stitched it. I know the confidence I have in my team, the fact that we've been together for over 10 years, and how can you propel talent if you don't expose them?"
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Read more... - £23,000 bill for Ram...
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