Research seeks to breathe new life into green space In North Inner City 

The community of the North Inner City has taken part in ongoing research into the potential uses for a neglected green public space in Sheriff Street.  

Yesterday, urban community consultants, ‘A Playful City’ shared the ongoing research with Dublin City Council regarding plans to rejuvenate Sheriff Street Park into a vibrant community-based area for all in North Inner City Dublin to enjoy. 

The community of North Inner City Dublin has been working closely with A Playful City (APC), to explore potential uses for this overlooked and underutilised green space.

Misty Reddan (11), Kayleigh McOlive (12), Katie Compston (11) and Lexie Smith (12) enjoy Northwall Community Festival. Picture credit:Maxwells

Located near the statue of ‘The Dubliners’ musician Luke Kelly and next to The Convention Centre Dublin, the park is seen as a key site for transformation that could serve as a model for communities across the country. 

The community groups and residents involved in the project are keen to ensure that Dublin City Council reviews the findings from this research, with the hope that the Council will address the key concerns outlined. The research so far shows the following opinions and insights from the community: 

• Many residents found the area to be restricted and unsafe due to ongoing anti-social behaviour and the presence of uncontrolled dogs. Drug use and vandalism were also of significant concern. 

• There is a strong feeling that the park is underutilised and would benefit from community-led supervision. A pleasant seating area where members of the community can meet, talk, and share ideas is a common request. 

• Young parents expressed an urgent need for a safe place where children can play and enjoy the fresh air together. 

• The local residents have named the area Rainbow Park and have repeatedly raised issues of accessibility and cleanliness with public representatives, but these concerns have yet to be resolved. 

• Accessibility for all, including those with special needs and disabilities, is considered essential by community members. 

A Playful City has spent the past three months gathering these insights from local groups to rapidly utilise the neglected green space at the heart of Sheriff Street. 

Neasa Ni Bhriain, Director of A Playful City, commented on the ongoing work: “This research highlights the community’s desire to urgently regenerate a neglected area in the densely populated North Inner City of Dublin.

“We are committed to amplifying the voices of all the community groups involved in this project.

“There is something beautiful about this area that has been neglected for too long, much to the distress of the community and the people of Sheriff Street who want to bring pride back into their area.”

“The area has witnessed rapid development, but this small green space has been overlooked, much to the dismay of the people of Sheriff Street, who are eager to restore a sense of pride.”

APC’s work has been generously supported by HubSpot, a long-standing partner committed to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting local initiatives in the areas surrounding their Dublin office. 

Yesterday A Playful City hosted a carnival event that featured opportunities for the community to share their ideas and feedback on the ongoing transformation of Rainbow Park, with the goal of making it a sustainable, well-loved hub of activity and connection.