Construction work on Phase One of the Dolphin House Masterplan and St. Teresa's Gardens is to begin in the second half of 2016.

Through a Dublin City Council initiative, developed in partnership with the Office for Government Procurement, both construction contracts will include on-site employment and training opportunities for long-term unemployed people.

A Community Benefit Clause has been included in the conditions of contract for a construction project delivered by a local authority.

-- Advertisement --

Ardmhéara Críona Ní Dhálaigh is a member of both regeneration boards and has championed the Community Benefit Clause as Council policy and at community level. In April 2014, Dublin City Council unanimously adopted her motion to include such clauses in future City Council procurement contracts, as a means to promoting vocational training, education and employment for young people and the long-term unemployed.

Offering targeted training and employment opportunities, this initiative can have a substantially positive impact on those experiencing long-term unemployment. Inclusion of the Community Benefit Clause explicitly stipulates that 10% of the hours on site will be filled by people who have been unemployed for a continuous 12 month period and that 5% of the hours will be allocated to training and apprenticeship places.