Dublin City Council is redeveloping Father Collins Park in Donaghmede as part of its ambitious plan for the North Fringe Area. A recent international design competition for the park's redesign received 43 entries from Tokyo to Toronto with the winning entry coming from Abelleyro and Romeo Architects from Buenos Ares in Argentina.

The park resdesign is of contemporary design and features a ribbon-like promenade running from North to South. An unusual feature of the design is the inclusion of wind turbines to power the park.

Father Collins Park was named after Fr. Joseph Collins, Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Parish in Donaghmede in the late 1970's. Father Collins was instrumental in encouraging the then Dublin Corporation to acquire this land to provide sports and recreational facilities for the growing population of Donaghmede.

"Parks play a vital role in enhancing the quality of people's lives. They shape the character of the community, and improve the health and well-being of urban dwellers." said John Fitzgerald, Dublin City Manager.

Other companies short listed for the award included: Loci Design with Mike Hyatt Design and Nord Architects, Glasgow; Magahy and Company, Dublin; VHP, Rotterdam; Landscape Projects Limited, Manchester. An exhibition of all entries received will take place in the Atrium, Dublin City Council, Wood Quay from 15th to 18th December 2003.