Tree-planting ceremony celebrating 100 years of the Tenters housing scheme

(Pictured above is Rita Gill, a 3rd generation resident of the Tenters, helping plant the tree to commemorate the laying of the first brick of the Fairbrother’s Fields Housing Scheme 100 years ago in 1922.)

The 100th anniversary of Dublin’s first ever public housing scheme was recently commemorated in the Liberties.

The area previously known as Fairbrother’s Fields (now known as part of the Tenters) in Dublin 8 was chosen as the site for the construction of the first Tenant Purchase Housing scheme of the new Irish Free State.

The Tenters public housing scheme, one of Dublin’s most ambitious public housing schemes, was constructed from 1922 to 1924 as a response to the housing crisis of the late 19th century and early 20th centuries.

Historic mapping (1888-1913) shows the area prior to development with the site labelled as ‘Tenter Fields Market Gardens’.

The name tenterfield relates to the former industrial practices of the area where cloth was hung out in the large open spaces on tenterhooks.

This housing scheme was specifically built by the Corporation of Dublin to house the working class of the city.

On Monday, February 1, at 12 midday, there was a Commemorative Tree, kindly donated by Dublin City Council, planted in Oscar Square Park.

This event was the first in a number of events organized by the Centenary Celebrations committee, to commemorate the laying of the first brick of the Fairbrother’s Fields Housing Scheme 100 years ago in 1922.

Maria O’Reilly, a 4th generation resident of Tenters and chairperson of the Fairbrother’s Fields Centenary Celebration Committee, explained the significance of the anniversary to Southside People.

“The tenant purchase scheme was life-changing for so many people after living in the tenements,” she said.

“My great- grandfather Michael Mullen was an original Tenant Purchaser in 1922.

“He was allowed to buy his house over a 40-year lease period, which he wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise.

“We had our Commemorative Tree planting event on Monday February 1st.

“It was a very enjoyable community event and has received a lovely response.

“My mother Rita Gill helped plant the tree.

“She is a 3rd generation resident, Michael Mullen was her grandfather.

“She still lives in the same house that he purchased.

“This tree that was planted will be a symbol for our community’s past, present and future.

“It will live among us, lay down its roots and become a strong presence in our everyday.

“Any of your readers who would like to find out more can contact the committee on tenters.100@gmail.com or check out their Facebook page Tenters100.”