Work on the regeneration of St Michael's Estate in Inchicore, Dublin is to start next September, according to a newspaper report.

The move comes more than two years since the public private partnership (PPP) scheme for the development collapsed, the Irish Times reports.

The dilapidated high-rise flats complex was one of five social housing schemes in the city that were earmarked to be developed under a PPP deal between developer Bernard McNamara and Dublin City Council.

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However, the deal with Mr McNamara collapsed in May 2008.

In June last year, Irish Environment Minister, John Gormley sanctioned funding of €7.8m for the construction of 32 new social units at the estate, a fraction of the 165 which were to have been built by Mr McNamara.

A spokesman for the council said eight companies have now been shortlisted for the job and a contractor will be selected within the coming weeks, with construction scheduled to start in September.

Full redevelopment of the social housing element of St Michael’s Estate will cost about €36m, providing 137 social and affordable units, a crèche and community buildings on four acres of the 14-acre site. The council hopes private development on the rest of the site will take place after 2015.

(NS/BMcC)