House and Home

From the chronic housing shortages of the 1960s to the boom and bust years of the early 21st century, the RTÉ Archives show how in less than 50 years, Ireland went from a critical housing deficit with often apalling living conditions to a property glut resulting in ghost estates across the country. Take a look also at some Irish housing of the past, from medieval Dublin to Georgian homes in various states of neglect and preservation, and see the traditional use of stone in construction.

Housing in Dublin

Here is a look at the critical state of public housing in Dublin in 1964. Reporter John O'Donoghue talks to people who are being moved from their city-centre homes to new houses in the suburbs. As a result of the housing shortage, some families are being accommodated in Griffith Barracks. One man interviewed has moved out of the army barracks and is living in a tent in protest at housing conditions. Families who have moved from the city-centre to new homes in Finglas talk about the changes in their lives.

Housing Conditions Critical In Dublin

This report on housing conditions in Dublin looks at inner-city tenements, a proposed high-rise scheme in Ballymun and the difficulties encountered by those seeking houses in Dublin. It features interviews with young families trying to get homes, including a couple who have been forced to live in a caravan. Reporter Cathal O'Shannon examines the difficulties in qualifying for local authority dwellings and interviews the chairman of the Dublin Corporation Housing Committee. The programme contains footage of inner-city housing due for demolition, new house-building and a caravan site that has become a home for those seeking accommodation.

Not By Bricks Alone

"Not By Bricks Alone" is a programme that looks at Dublin suburban housing. What is it like to live in the suburban housing estates of Ballyfermot or Santry, or the new tower blocks of Ballymun? Three residents describe their experience of living in these developments. They talk about the poor design and the lack of planning and consultation with those who have to make their homes in these new urban areas.

Hume Street Occupation

Here is a report on the controversial redevelopment of Georgian buildings at Hume Street and St Stephen's Green in Dublin. Students have occupied a building in protest and are repairing damage they say was caused by the developers. Reporter Patrick Gallagher visits the house and talks to some of the protesters. At a press conference, John Corcoran of the Green Property Company says it is open to offers in excess of £200,000 for the buildings. Keep an eye out for Marian Finucane, who is one of the protesters interviewed.

Old Homes and Flagstones

This seven-part series about Ireland's built environment examines traditional rural housing. It covers villages, the legacy of the canals and railways and the renovation of abandoned buildings. It also discusses what's meant by "Georgian". Presenter Christopher Fitz-simon asks why "we move out of the farmhouse or cottage, which was remarkably practical, into the sort of bungalow which is at home on the Kingston by-pass?" The first episode, "The Hearth and Stool and All", looks at the rise and fall of traditional housing. This extract shows the replacement of old traditional homes by modern bungalows. It also looks at the various uses of local stone in building in Liscannor, Co. Clare.

Henrietta Street: An 18th Century Home

Michael and Aileen Casey are undertaking the restoration of their home in Henrietta Street, Dublin. With very little money and great care, the Caseys are trying to recapture the 18th century look of the house, even foregoing many modern conveniences. "Arts Express" visited the Casey home to see the work to date and to hear what it is like to live in a home that is undergoing restoration.

Digging Up the Past

"Dublin 1000" is a two-part portrait of the medieval city based on the National Museum of Ireland's archaeological excavation of Wood Quay. As construction on new civic offices for Dublin got under way, earth was removed from Fishamble Street and Wood Quay. A team of archaeologists led by Dr Pat Wallace worked ahead of the builders and uncovered evidence of human habitation from the ninth and tenth centuries. The foundations of 150 dwellings were uncovered. Dublin Corporation invited RTÉ to film the later stages of the excavation.

Using footage shot during the dig and the expertise of Dr Pat Wallace of the National Museum, the documentary describes medieval Dublin. This first programme "Hearth and Home" looks at the townscape uncovered and the kinds of homes early Dubliners lived in.

As Good As It Gets?

Here is a news report on the record 93,000 homes built the previous year, 2006. According to figures from the Department of Environment, this is the 13th consecutive year of growth for the building industry. Despite these figures, experts say there is still a significant problem in the sector, as the number of homes given planning permission in urban areas lags behind other parts of the country. However: "For the builders, this is as good as it gets. Last year we had more homes finished here per head than any other country in Europe."

Housing Developments To Be Knocked

In the week that the first tranche of loans are transferred from the banks to the National Asset Management Agency, some stark realities are becoming obvious. Such is the poor state of some of these loans that it is now likely that the wrecking ball will swing into action on some unfinished housing developments. Michael Lehane reports.

Ghost Land

The bursting of the decade-long property bubble has left a swathe of unfinished houses and apartments across the country. The number of these ghosts estates is now estimated at up to 650 developments, where more than half of the houses or apartments are vacant or still not completed. In this extract from the documentary "Ghost Land", Dr Chris Sparks, who teaches politics and sociology at IT Sligo, visits a ghost estate in north Longford with a group of students and colleagues.