Neighbourhood regeneration in the neoliberal era : Dublin and Paris, a comparative perspective

Abstract

This thesis is centrally concerned with changes in state policies. The research aims to trace the evolution of urban regeneration policies in two different geographical contexts, paying attention to both temporal and geographical variations in governmental approaches to regeneration. The study aims to review the manner in which the growing intensification of the neoliberal agenda has differently affected the process of urban regeneration in Paris and Dublin. The aim is to account for variations in the global neoliberal project. This research seeks to make a contribution to the development of urban studies by offering empirical evidence of path-dependency in the evolution of regeneration policies. The study also strives to identify how different socio-political ideological contexts have shaped the ability of indigenous communities to change the outcomes of regeneration. The overall objective is to discuss how powerful socially disadvantaged communities are in influencing the processes of regeneration. The research reviews the manner in which community input has been achieved through involvement in formal structures and through informal mechanisms such as community protest.