Ballymun was a housing estate built in the 1960s on the north side of Dublin to rehouse residents from the city's inner city. It originally housed young families but over time lacked amenities, shops, recreation, and green spaces. The flats became poorly maintained with broken lifts and bad insulation. Unemployment was high and education levels low, leading to social problems and degradation. By the 1990s, Ballymun had a poor image and run-down appearance. In 1997, Ballymun Regeneration Limited launched a renewal project that demolished the flats and built 5000 new homes, added community facilities, parks, a town center, jobs, and improved transport and security while involving the community.