eamonn mc loughlin
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Fingers crossed that the stations are carefully designed. Moreover, that they are properly managed, have proper ticketing systems (commuter flow), are kept clean, ie, the opposite to DART stations.
This is a case of having to be cruel to be kind. Replacing the original iron work (which was cast in 1816 in Coalbrookdale, Shropshire)might be necessary, but I hope an exact replica of excellent quality is planned. William Walsh operated a ferry service across this section of the Liffey, and he commissioned the bridge in 1815. Originally named the Wellington Bridge (after the Duke), it was also known as the Metal Bridge and the Liffey bridge. I believe it will be closed for three months, which is a pity because it is loved by Dubliners as much as by tourists.
There is nothing mythological (ie, fictitious) about imagining what Dublin was once like: a beautiful Georgian city, one of the finest in Europe; and the Custom House, one of its defining statements. This might read like romantic mush, but we cannot continue to defend the mistakes of the past and the present. With architecture, it is possible to correct mistakes, or flaws. Moreover, it is an aesthetic discipline. Therefore, I do not think it is a waste of time and money or unjustified to recreate a Dublin in which we can have pride.
The Custom House might not be the original Gandon masterpiece, however, it is one of our finest buildings and the Loop Line bridge removes the impact it should have on the cityscape. How much better the view from O’Connell bridge would be if its ugly neighbour was removed.
I cannot uunderstand Ec’s love for the “Loop Line ” bridge. This montrosity destroys the Custom House’s splendour, obliterating it from Dublin’s skyline. It’s a first-rate example of Victorian disregard, decades before the 60s/70s nadir.
