Tree-planting ceremony in Dublin 8 celebrates 100 years of Tenters housing scheme

Hundreds of homes in the Tenters area of Dublin 8, built under what was called the Fairbrother’s Fields Housing Scheme, marked their 100th anniversary after the scheme was created in 1922.

This was a project was introduced to provide housing at a low cost over a long period – tenants could buy their homes outright over a 40-year lease – making housing more accessible for the area.

The scheme came about to tackle the rampant housing crisis present in the late 19^th and early 20th centuries.  

The housing scheme is known to be the very first public housing scheme of the new State in Dublin. A commemoration was held on February 1^st  in Oscar Square to acknowledge the first brick laid for the Fairbrother’s Fields Housing Scheme. 

The Irish Independent reported that more than 400 houses with front and back gardens and a parlour were delivered under this scheme.

The scheme has since ceased operation but some of the buildings delivered under this scheme have stood the test of time.

Dublin City Council gifted a commemorative magnolia tree to be planted at the ceremony. The tree is a symbol for the scheme’s important history and role in tackling the housing crisis. 

The celebration welcomed residents of the Tenters to the event. Rita Gill, a third-generation resident whose grandfather joined the scheme in 1922, helped to plant the tree. 

Gill’s daughter, Maria O’Reilly, is chairperson of the Centenary Commemoration Committee and spoke about the importance of having a symbol in the Liberties.

“We believe the Commemorative Tree is important for the community as, not only does it mark the centenary of the building of the Fairbrother’s Fields Housing Scheme here in Dublin’s Liberties, it is also a symbol of life, growth and the laying of roots.

Maria O’ reilly

“Past, present and future residents of the Fairbrother’s Fields Housing Scheme/Tenters have and will live, grow and lay their roots here,” O’Reilly said.