The Irish Times

Rathmines is one of the most diverse parts of Dublin, both socially and architecturally. But like so many other "urban villages", it is also plagued by traffic, official neglect, poor planning, lack of affordable housing and inadequate recreational facilities. A number of residents' associations in the area got together and commissioned the UCD School of Architecture to carry out a detailed study identifying the community's needs which is intended as a "blueprint" for the future development of Rathmines. The residents want to make Rathmines "a place that the community can identify with and be proud of" through conservation, traffic calming, more infill housing, better leisure facilities and "suitable" commercial activities.