President Higgins recalls an exercise in people’s history

PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins officially cut the red tape on a new

?¬16.9 million Dublin City Council development in Inchicore last week.

The president was guest of honour at Thornton Heights, which was launched as part of the regeneration of St Michael’s Estate.

Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Christy Burke, was also there to see the ambitious scheme get off the ground.

Covering two acres of a 14-acre site, Thornton Heights is a 75-unit mixed apartment and housing development, comprising 10 terraced houses and 65 apartments in four blocks that vary in height from three to six storeys.

The scheme also includes a crèche with adjoining playground and a state of the art community facility.

Three additional playgrounds will cater for different age groups and are set in a secure courtyard formed by the apartment blocks and houses.

In keeping with sustainable development, photovoltaic panels on the roof take energy from the sun to provide power to illuminate the common and storage areas.

The process of regeneration of St Michael’s Estate began 12 years ago.

Developed and designed by Dublin City Council, BAM Builders Ltd commenced the construction of Thornton Heights in 2010, and completed the scheme last month.

Funding for the redevelopment was provided by the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government. The opening of Thornton Heights marked the culmination of many years of hard work and a close collaboration between Dublin City Council and the St Michael’s Regeneration Board, chaired by Finbarr Flood.

Circle Voluntary Housing Association has been chosen by Dublin City Council to provide the social housing and facilities management services to this scheme.

The President said he remembered vividly the evening he spent there in April 2003.

“On that night we had a fireworks display to mark the move of the final residents from three of the old blocks,

? he recalled.

“We celebrated the rich history of the lives of the residents of the flats, including the many stories they told against themselves.

“It was a wonderful exercise in people’s history.

?