“We have an over-reliance on the private sector, it is expensive, it is poor value for money,” says Mary Hayes, director of the Dublin Region Homeless Executive.
Tom Farrell is a freelance journalist based in Dublin who has written extensively on Asian politics for various publications in Ireland, the UK and elsewhere.
Under the ribbed vaults of a Gothic cathedral in Dublin’s city centre, a sculpture serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between Dublin and Rangoon.
“Any nationality, no matter where you’re from, and we want to specify that: no matter where you’re from, we really want everybody to come together,” says Jayne Robinson.
But the damage has been done, says Fianna Fáil Councillor Paul McAulliffe. “I’m worried about the chilling effect this will have on investment,” he says.
Local residents are sceptical, wondering why the old shopping centre can’t be revived instead, and remembering all the false promises they’ve been given in the past.
