Dublin, Issues and Challenges in an MEDC

Question 1

What is the population of Dublin according to the 2011 census?

Answer 1

1.25 million

This represents approximately 25% of Ireland’s total population.

Question 2

What were the traditional industries in Dublin centered around?

Answer 2

Port activities, including storage and distribution of imports and exports, coal and gas storage, brewing, and distilling.

Question 3

What caused the population increase in Dublin during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries?

Answer 3

Rural-urban migration.

Question 4

What issues arose due to the population increase in Dublin?

Answer 4

Accommodation shortages and overcrowding in high density, low amenity tenement housing.

Question 5

What happened to most tenement housing by the 1960s?

Answer 5

Most was demolished.

Question 6

Where were some people relocated after the demolition of tenement housing?

Answer 6

To the growing working class suburbs of north Dublin.

Question 7

What were the Sheriff Street flats known for?

Answer 7

Being a well-known local authority flat development.

Question 8

How many blocks did the Sheriff Street flats consist of?

Answer 8

18 four storey blocks.

Question 9

What characterized living conditions in overcrowded areas of Dublin?

Answer 9

Low incomes and low educational achievements.

Question 10

What social issues arose in the walkways and staircases between the flats?

Answer 10

Petty crime and vandalism.

Question 11

What two significant changes occurred in Dublin during the 1960s?

Answer 11

Containerisation and restructuring of port-based industries.

Question 12

What was the impact of mechanised lifting gear on dockside employment?

Answer 12

Resulted in a 30% reduction in employment.

Question 13

Fill in the blank: Dublin is the capital and largest city in _______.

Answer 13

Ireland.

Question 14

True or False: Dublin’s traditional industries provided limited employment opportunities for unskilled workers.

Answer 14

False.

Question 15

What was established in purpose-built industrial estates on greenfield sites?

Answer 15

New industries

Question 16

What was the population decline percentage in the inner city from 1961-1991?

Answer 16

50%

Question 17

What were some consequences of unemployment in inner city Dublin?

Answer 17

High unemployment and declining services

Question 18

What deteriorated in the inner city alongside economic decline?

Answer 18

Physical environment

Question 19

Which area was worst affected by deprivation in the inner city?

Answer 19

Areas closest to the docks

Question 20

What social issues accompanied economic decline in the inner city?

Answer 20

Criminal gangs, drug dealing, anti-social behaviour

Question 21

What notoriety did the area around the main railway station gain from 1970-1980?

Answer 21

‘Heroin capital of Europe’

Question 22

What was the percentage of the population in the Inns Quay Ward with no qualifications?

Answer 22

64.7%

Question 23

What was the male unemployment percentage in the Dublin Inner City Wards?

Answer 23

35.4%

Question 24

What percentage of local authority housing was in the Inns Quay Ward?

Answer 24

50%

Question 25

What was the dependency ratio in the Inns Quay Ward?

Answer 25

36%

Question 26

What does the dependency ratio compare?

Answer 26

Dependent population (0-14 years and 65+ years) to economically active age groups (15-64 years)

Question 27

What did urban planners encourage until 1986?

Answer 27

People to move to newly developing suburban estates

Question 28

What significant act marked the first real attempt at dealing with inner city decline?

Answer 28

Urban Renewal Act 1986

Question 29

What authority was established to promote urban regeneration near the Custom House?

Answer 29

Custom House Docks Development Authority (CHDDA)

Question 30

What was the purpose of demolishing Sheriff Street flats?

Answer 30

To re-house the tenants in the suburbs of north Dublin or new proposed social housing in the area.

Question 31

What is the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)?

Answer 31

A major financial services development occupying approximately 15 hectares of former derelict land in Custom House Docks.

Question 32

What are key transportation features near the IFSC?

Answer 32

* Connolly station (national and cross-border rail service) * Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) service * Luas tram service serving central Dublin.

Question 33

What improvements were made to access Dublin airport?

Answer 33

The opening of a road tunnel in 2006 from close to the airport to Dublin Port just east of the IFSC.

Question 34

What type of workforce is present in the greater Dublin area?

Answer 34

A youthful workforce, suitably trained in IT and computer software.

Question 35

Which educational institution is located in the area of IFSC?

Answer 35

The National College of Ireland.

Question 36

What historical connections aided the establishment of the IFSC?

Answer 36

Ireland's historic American links and its ease of communication with Europe.

Question 37

What was a controversial aspect of the IFSC's development?

Answer 37

It actively encouraged companies to Ireland by offering low rates of taxation.

Question 38

What types of companies did the IFSC aim to attract?

Answer 38

* Banking * Investment * Computer software * Legal * Insurance companies.

Question 39

How many leading firms have located in the IFSC?

Answer 39

Over 500 leading firms.

Question 40

What percentage of the world's top 50 banks have offices in the IFSC?

Answer 40

Approximately 50%.

Question 41

Name three American banks with offices in the IFSC.

Answer 41

* Merrill Lynch * ANB Amro * Citibank.

Question 42

Fill in the blank: The IFSC was financed largely by the _____ and European Union funding.

Answer 42

[Irish Government]

Question 43

Name one Japanese bank located in the IFSC.

Answer 43

Sumitomo Bank.

Question 44

True or False: The IFSC has attracted only local Irish companies.

Answer 44

False.

Question 45

Name one German bank located in the IFSC.

Answer 45

Commerzbank.

Question 46

What is the significance of the IFSC for Ireland?

Answer 46

It has become a leading digital hub.

Question 47

Which Irish finance company is mentioned as having an office in the IFSC?

Answer 47

EMRO.

Question 48

What was the primary reason for building a large number of residential properties in the area?

Answer 48

To accommodate professional and skilled people who moved into the area.

Question 49

What challenge did developers face in the IFSC?

Answer 49

Finding suitable residential properties in an area notorious for crime and drug culture.

Question 50

How did developers resolve the issue of crime in residential areas?

Answer 50

By creating gated communities within walking distance of the workplace.

Question 51

What are some features of the gated communities built in the IFSC?

Answer 51

Expensive apartments totally segregated from the local population.

Question 52

What recreational and commercial amenities were built near the gated communities?

Answer 52

Numerous recreational amenities and expensive shopping complexes.

Question 53

What is the name of the most exclusive gated apartment community mentioned?

Answer 53

Custom House Harbour.

Question 54

What physical barrier separates Custom House Harbour from the low-cost housing of Sheriff Street?

Answer 54

A 10 m high fence, locally referred to as the 'Berlin Wall'.

Question 55

What security measures are in place for residents of the gated communities?

Answer 55

Electronic security gates, swipe cards, and underground car parks.

Question 56

How is access controlled within the gated community?

Answer 56

There are no through routes, so only residents have access.

Question 57

What is the market value of the apartments in Custom House Harbour?

Answer 57

€450,000.

Question 58

What is the approximate monthly rental value of the apartments?

Answer 58

Close to €3000.

Question 59

What additional security feature is mentioned for the gated communities?

Answer 59

Closed circuit TV cameras monitor the area.

Question 60

What type of employment opportunities are primarily available in the IFSC?

Answer 60

Mostly for those with university degrees or professional qualifications.

Question 61

What type of jobs do the local population typically find?

Answer 61

Lower paid service sector jobs.

Question 62

How many apartments were constructed since 1997?

Answer 62

6,500 apartments.

Question 63

How many apartments were designated for social and affordable housing?

Answer 63

832 apartments.

Question 64

Where are the social and affordable housing apartments located within the complex?

Answer 64

In less scenic locations.

Question 65

What restrictions apply to affordable housing tenants?

Answer 65

Strict conditions were applied.

Question 66

Who qualifies for affordable housing in the gated communities?

Answer 66

Those on lower incomes.

Question 67

What issue is mentioned regarding affordable housing availability?

Answer 67

It tends to be in short supply.

Question 68

What types of establishments have developed in the dockland areas?

Answer 68

Extensive modern restaurants, cafés and bars ## Footnote These developments cater to both residents and visitors in the area.

Question 69

What types of activities have been developed along Grand Canal Dock?

Answer 69

Various types of water-based activities ## Footnote This includes leisure and recreational activities for the community.

Question 70

What new infrastructure connects the IFSC and North Lotts with the docklands?

Answer 70

Samuel Beckett Bridge and a footbridge ## Footnote These bridges facilitate easier access between key areas.

Question 71

What was the impact of the banking crisis in 2008 on Ireland?

Answer 71

Severely negative impact on Ireland; worst affected was the construction industry ## Footnote Many proposed developments were shelved due to financial difficulties.

Question 72

What initiative did the government take in 2012 regarding the DDDA?

Answer 72

Disbanded the DDDA and set up Strategic Development Zones (SDZ) ## Footnote This was aimed at completing the regeneration of dockland areas.

Question 73

What significant change occurred in the Dublin Docklands area due to gentrification?

Answer 73

Replacement of a working class population with an affluent population ## Footnote This included a shift to high-quality housing and better amenities.

Question 74

What organization studied inner city poverty in Dublin?

Answer 74

Dublin Inner City Partnership (DICP) ## Footnote DICP focused on social and economic characteristics before and after re-urbanisation.

Question 75

What years did the DICP compare in their study of the docklands area?

Answer 75

1991 and 2006 ## Footnote This comparison highlighted changes due to re-urbanisation.

Question 76

True or False: The changes in the Dublin Docklands area are considered typical of the gentrification process.

Answer 76

True ## Footnote The findings from DICP support this conclusion.

Question 77

Fill in the blank: The construction industry was most affected by the _______.

Answer 77

banking crisis in 2008 ## Footnote This event led to significant economic downturn in Ireland.

Question 78

What type of workforce is required for ArMY services?

Answer 78

A skilled workforce

Question 79

What is the impact of high salaries on employees in the Dublin Docklands area?

Answer 79

Employees have considerable disposable incomes

Question 80

What do the leisure and recreational amenities in the area serve?

Answer 80

The needs of the new population

Question 81

What criticism is directed towards the development in Dublin Docklands?

Answer 81

Gentrification and social segregation

Question 82

Are gated communities currently permitted in Dublin Docklands?

Answer 82

No, gated communities are no longer permitted

Question 83

What is the outcome of the affordable/social housing schemes in Dublin Docklands?

Answer 83

Provided few opportunities to those on low incomes

Question 84

What evidence of economic and social deprivation is present in Sheriff Street?

Answer 84

Areas still display evidence of deprivation

Question 85

How many people from Sheriff Street found temporary employment during the construction of the IFSC?

Answer 85

Approximately 120 people

Question 86

What is a significant barrier for residents of deprived areas like Sheriff Street in accessing jobs?

Answer 86

Lack of required skills for jobs in IFSC or Silicon Docks

Question 87

What will happen to unemployment in areas like Sheriff Street until the skills deficit is addressed?

Answer 87

It will remain areas of high unemployment