Over the last few years, a new Ballymun has emerged alongside the old.
The Ballymun regeneration project has seen the demolition of the landmark tower blocks and the building of new housing, commercial and civil amenities. The regeneration has costed twice what was originally planned. According to a report from the state's spending watchdog, the cost of the project will exceed nine hundred million euro to complete.
Its famous tower blocks are gone. The only visible high rise belonging to a new hotel.
Local people have welcomed the redevelopment in the hope that it will enhance the living conditions and generate employment in the area. Some are not so optimistic about the future of the suburb with one man commenting,
I think it will end up a ghetto.
Ciaran Murray of Ballymun Regeneration Limited said that when development began, a lot of unchartered services were discovered resulting in the need for increased spending. Asbestos was also discovered in some buildings. There were also a number of High Court challenges to the project. All of theses factors served to increase the overall cost. These challenges also mean that it may now be 2012 before the regeneration is complete.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 3 March 2008. The reporter is Gareth O'Connor.
