Demolition of the high rise flat complex Swan's Nest Court in Kilbarrack, Dublin begins.
Built in 1972 when there was a growing housing demand,
To hundreds of Kilbarrack families, Swan's Nest Court was once home.
The landmark Dublin Corporation high-rise block flats featured in Roddy Doyle's screen version of 'The Snapper'. In later years, the flats struggled with structural defects and social problems,
Drug dealing, you name it, stolen cars, everything.
A local woman hopes the demolition of Swan's Nest Court will mark a new beginning for Kilbarrack,
The flats had brought an awful name to the area which it didn't deserve, and it wasn't the people living in the flats.
Security issues in Swan's Nest Court saw outsiders using the flats to engage in crime and anti-social behaviour.
Dublin Corporation is now taking the view that housing like this has been tried and has failed. Another local woman agrees,
It hasn't worked in Ballymun, St Michael's Estate, anywhere, it hasn't worked, and it never will work.
The demolition of the two eight-story blocks began on 6 March 2000 and it is estimated the site will be levelled within 10 weeks. The flats will make way for 79 low-rise homes comprising 50 houses and 29 apartments.
All of the former Swan's Nest Court residents have been rehoused.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 9 March 2000. The reporter is Eilis Brennan.
