The Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr. Kevin Humphreys in the presence of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Mr. John Gormley T.D. (above) officially opened the €3.5-million George Reynolds House Precinct Improvement Project in Irishtown on a glorious afternoon on 15th June 2010.
The opening marks the end of the construction phase for the Precinct Improvement Project carried out by Dublin City Council over the last 18 months. The project was completed ahead of time and on budget.
The opening was a colourful event, with the best of local talent providing entertainment for the invited guests and residents of the complex. Collide Dance Academy (below) performed several elaborate and energetic routines, to the delight of the crowd, followed by an excellent performance by the Ringsend and Irishtown School of Rock.
Passers-by and locals will have noticed a very dramatic change in the area following an extensive redevelopment project. The complex has been almost completely redesigned.
The courtyard areas of the complex have had two new playgrounds installed. The area also received new planters, trees and seating areas. Privatised spaces were constructed for ground-floor residents.
The project involved the complete renewal of all services in the complex, with underground services being replaced or repaired, including the entire sewage and drainage network.
A complete new water main and pumphouse were installed to improve water pressure for residents and all old lead connections were removed.
An enhanced lighting system, together with improved regulation of car movements, parking and the installation of security gates and CCTV cameras, has provided a safer environment for residents and visitors. Safety for residents and visitors alike has also been improved by the provision of two new car parks, making the new courtyard areas pedestrianised zones.
Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr. Kevin Humphreys said, “I am delighted to open this Precinct Improvement Project in George Reynolds House. It is obvious that a new sense of pride exists in the area, largely due to the regeneration that has taken place. Local residents have had a voice in the works undertaken here. Communities are the building blocks of our city and this Project shows what can be achieved when the local community and Dublin City Council work together for the greater good of all. I would like to commend all those who were involved in this project for their work and dedication.”
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley T.D., said: “It was with great pride that I was able to approve funding for this project. As a near neighbour, I know just how much this means to everyone in the complex and have seen at first-hand the impressive improvements made. In fact, it is great to see that so much of Ringsend is being improved during the past twelve months, and I look forward to the completion of works to Whelan and O’Rahilly House later this year.”
George Reynolds, after whom the complex is named, died during the 1916 Rising at Clanwilliam House, previously located on Mount Street. George Reynolds was the section commander of the garrison of seven men at Clanwilliam House.
The battle at Mount Street Bridge was one of the major engagements of the Rising. Three of the Volunteers, including George Reynolds, (above) were killed but four escaped.
Pictured is Kathleen Kiernan, the oldest resident of George Reynolds House.