Regeneration: Public Good or Private Profit?

This book recounts the experience of residents, community workers and activists in the urban regeneration project at St Michael's Estate in Inchicore, Dublin. The book takes the reader through a community's intense struggle to have delivered a model of regeneration based on principles of fairness, social justice, sustainability and democracy. The author argues that the model of Public Private Partnership, chosen by the state, undermined this approach and left the entire project at the mercy of the private housing market.

The story starts in 1998 when residents agreed to the total demolition of the Estate, through various phases and plans, and it culminates with the collapse of the Public Private Partnership model in 2008. John Bissett traces the successive failures of the Government to implement effective regeneration for the residents. The book is a valuable resource for those engaged in similar projects, as well as anyone interested in the broader issues of equality, justice and democracy in Ireland.

The author is an active participant and a key member of the St. Michael's Estate Community Regeneration Team.