Changes in Urban Land Use (Leaving Cert Geography): Revision Notes
Changes in Urban Land Use
Understanding urban transformation
Urban areas are constantly evolving. As cities grow and develop, their functions naturally change over time. This evolution leads to significant shifts in how land within urban areas is utilised.
Urban transformation follows predictable patterns that can be observed across cities worldwide, making it possible to anticipate and plan for these changes.
The transformation process often follows predictable patterns:
- Former residential neighbourhoods may become industrial zones
- Increased demand for services drives commercial and industrial development into previously residential areas
- Older housing gets replaced by offices and shops as business districts expand
Urban decay and its causes
Urban decay: An area that falls into disrepair as a result of changing land uses within a city
Urban decay occurs when older parts of cities gradually deteriorate. This happens for several interconnected reasons that create a cycle of decline.
Industrial relocation: Traditional factories close down as businesses move to modern industrial estates on city outskirts. These purpose-built facilities offer better transport links, particularly motorway access, making them more attractive than older inner-city locations.
Port modernisation: Traditional port areas decline when modern shipping requires larger facilities. Contemporary vessels are much bigger than older ships and cannot be accommodated in historic port infrastructure. Consequently, new port facilities are built further downstream or along coastlines where modern dockyards can operate effectively.
Economic consequences: When industries relocate, unemployment rises in inner-city areas. This forces residents to move away in search of work opportunities, leaving behind empty properties.
Physical deterioration: Abandoned homes and factories become derelict and are sometimes occupied by squatters seeking shelter.
Brownfield sites: Old derelict factories, named for the rusting of their old machinery and galvanised roofs
These derelict locations create negative impressions of neighbourhoods, contributing to their continued decline and creating a cycle of urban decay.
Urban renewal as a solution
Urban renewal: The refurbishment or updating of an area without changing its original function
Urban renewal (also called regeneration) represents the solution to urban decay. This process involves modernising and changing land use patterns to revitalise declining areas.
Urban renewal typically includes:
- Converting derelict sites into modern developments
- Improving infrastructure and transport links
- Creating mixed-use developments combining residential, commercial, and office spaces
- Providing modern services, education, and employment opportunities
Case Study: Dublin Docklands transformation
Historical context
During the 19th century, Dublin's port served as the primary export hub for goods destined for the British Empire. The excellent canal and rail connections made it a crucial distribution centre for imported goods.
Historical Features of Dublin Docklands:
The docklands area featured:
- Large coal yards and warehouses
- Cattle yards for livestock trade
- Major industries including Boland's Mills and textile factories
- Dense residential areas housing dock workers
The port's strategic location and high employment levels made the docklands the commercial heart of Dublin, with many residents living and working in the same area.
Period of decline
From the 1950s onwards, technological advancement triggered rapid decline in Dublin Docklands. Several factors contributed to this deterioration:
Shipping modernisation: The introduction of heavy cranes and roll-on roll-off containers dramatically reduced the need for manual labour in loading and unloading ships.
Energy transition: Coal imports decreased significantly as oil and gas became preferred power sources for industries, reducing labour demand further.
Port relocation: The port operations moved downriver to more modern facilities, resulting in widespread job losses.
Social consequences: Rising unemployment in residential areas around the port, particularly Sheriff Street, led to increased crime rates as people became desperate for income. This created a social and economic crisis throughout the area.
Government intervention and regeneration
Phase 1 - IFSC Development (1987)
The government invested in creating the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), transforming derelict warehouses in the Docklands into modern high-rise offices. This intervention proved overwhelmingly successful, with over 450 companies in banking, financial services, and international trading establishing operations there.
Phase 2 - DDDA Establishment (1997)
Building on IFSC's success, the government created the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) to renew the docklands comprehensively, both socially and economically.
The DDDA managed 520 hectares of land north and south of the River Liffey, focusing on regenerating brownfield sites and derelict buildings into a well-developed inner-city area.
Regeneration outcomes
The renewal programme created a diverse, modern urban district featuring multiple developments and significant improvements to the area.
Major developments:
- 3Arena (entertainment venue)
- National Convention Centre
- National College of Ireland
- Grand Canal Theatre
- Samuel Beckett Bridge
- Various modern restaurants and hotels
Housing and population: The 2011 census showed steady population growth, with young professionals moving into the area. This demographic shift has led to gentrification of the neighbourhood.
Gentrification: Renovate or improve housing to attract middle-class residents
Employment creation: The project aims to generate over 40,000 jobs and 11,000 new homes.
Social integration: To ensure community cohesion, 20% of new homes are designated as social housing.
Social housing: Housing provided by the government to low-income earners or people with particular needs
Infrastructure improvements: Modern transport links, including the extended Luas line and Port Tunnel, have reduced traffic congestion and created a cleaner, quieter environment.
Skills development: Community training schemes help upskill local residents, reducing unemployment levels in the area.
Although the DDDA was formally dissolved in 2015, the development of modern apartments and housing continues, with a target population of 45,000 people for the docklands area.
Key Takeaways
Key Points to Remember:
- Urban areas naturally change functions as they grow, leading to land use transformations from residential to industrial or commercial purposes
- Urban decay occurs when older city areas deteriorate due to industrial relocation, port modernisation, and resulting unemployment
- Urban renewal provides the solution through regeneration projects that modernise derelict areas while maintaining their core functions
- The Dublin Docklands case study demonstrates successful transformation from declining industrial port to thriving mixed-use district through government intervention
- Effective urban renewal requires balanced development including housing, employment, transport infrastructure, and social integration measures