ABOUT THE SHERIFF STREET AREA

Commons Street, Lower & Upper Sheriff Street

Commons Street, Lower & Upper Sheriff Street lie in the heart of Dublin's historic Docklands, on the Northside of the city. They're part of a densely populated area with a mix of older housing and newer developments.

The area was once a hub of port activity, resulting in working-class communities.

Social Challenges

Over the decades, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s, Sheriff Street faced problems with poverty, crime, and drug abuse. This contributed to its negative reputation.

Recent Regeneration

Since the late 1990s, there have been significant efforts to revitalize the Sheriff Street area. This includes new housing, community facilities, and efforts to reduce crime, although challenges still exist.

Your Memory from the 1960s

In the late 1960s I had a summer job with a shipping/transport company based on the North Wall and my manager told me to avoid the Sheriff Street area as it was a no-go area even for the police [Garda] and unfortunately, there's likely truth to his perception of Sheriff Street in the 1960s. Dublin, like many cities, faced social and economic problems in the decades after World War II. This sometimes led to crime and conflict in certain areas. Whether or not it was entirely a "no-go" zone, Sheriff Street likely had a more troubled atmosphere than the surrounding areas at the time.

Present-Day Improvements

While far from perfect, the Sheriff Street area has seen improvements:

• Community Efforts: Committed local organisations and residents actively work for positive change.
• Investment: Redevelopment, while not without controversy, has brought new resources and facilities.

Nuanced View

It's important to avoid oversimplifying. Like many urban areas, Sheriff Street is a mix of challenges and successes.

Dublin Arch Redevelopment

There have been various proposed plans under the "Dublin Arch" name focusing on Sheriff Street:

• Ambitious Visions: Concepts often envision modern residential, retail, and commercial developments. However, redevelopment plans have faced delays and changes over the years.