In the 1950s, the Irish Government funded the construction of a number of workers’ villages in midlands locations as planned communities for those who had relocated in order to work for Bord na Móna.

One of 15 Creative Climate Action fund projects, Workers’ Villages is a commemoration of their legacy and an exploration of what we can learn from these villages and their designs as we move towards a sustainable future.

Spearheaded by the Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF) and environment organisation Global Action Plan, the project sees architect-led teams of designers and researchers examine the legacy and vision of the villages’ lauded architect, Frank Gibney. The project also explores how Gibney’s principles can be applied to the changing environment, particularly as Bord na Móna moves away from the use of peat for energy production.

Journalist Deirdre Falvey’s July 2022 Irish Times feature spotlights the commitment and vision of the local communities involved in the Workers’ Villages project and beyond.

“There is impressive ingenuity and imagination, and committed people in local communities attempting to rebuild and reimagine”.