phatman

@indubitably wrote:

The city manager is expecting an application from MPH for the 5,000 seater event centre and one would have thought that if he expects it, the likelihood is that it will come.

An ol case of “you scratch our back and we’ll scratch yours” eh.

Any of ye familiar with MagLevs? or magnetically levitated trains, they operate on the principle of varying magnetic fields in order to move, and actually do levitate or float above the track. i know it sounds a bit “sci-fi” or futuristic, but they’ve already built one between Shanghai airport and city. The advantage is that they contain no working parts – no onboard engine, therefore very lttle maintenance, and are highly sustainable. Diesel trains, obviously, and indirectly trams, aren’t quite so environmentaly conscious, but when it comes down to it that’s the least of the issues when it comes down to it. 😮 Ah well maybe this Shangahai twinning will turn a few heads

@corcaighboy wrote:

Hey Phatman, thanks for posting the photos. But I thought the Nano Nagle Bridge was the pedestrian bridge over the South Link Road (as you approach the Eglinton Street). That bridge has a gas supply pipe from the gasworks as well I believe. Think it was built when they first opened the south link road back in ’84 or so. Always looked a bit out ill at ease in my opinion given the mish mash of developments underneath and the old railway yard wall support structures.
The one you refer to as Nano Nagle Bridge in the photo above…that is the one linking the south mall to Sullivan’s Quay, right?
Another bridge in Cork worth noting is the one linking the mainland to Mizen Head.

Im pretty sure the Nano Nagle bridge is the one at the end of the Grand Parade, not positive though. Had a look around for a pic of the South Link bridge, can’t find one as yet, will post one if i do. In the meantime, here’s another one of what i think is the Nano Nagle, and one of the Mizen Bridge, an impressive one alright.

Nano Nagle…

<img src="http://img258.echo.cx/img258/8198/nanonaglebridge8ei.th.jpg&quot; border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting at http://www.ImageShack.us” />

Mizen Head…

<img src="http://img258.echo.cx/img258/3138/mizenhead8iq.th.jpg&quot; border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting at http://www.ImageShack.us” />

@Radioactiveman wrote:

…Shandon Bridge- it’s quiet plain. In saying that, its not totally without its positives.
Mardyke bridge is a much fancier design and looks good. Viewed from Fitzgerald’s Park it looks amazing right now, nestled between the leafy banks of the river.

Mardyke Bridge may be fancy, but does it really fit in with the surrounds? I certainly admire it’s flair, but im not sure it’s totally suited to that stretch of river. Maybe i’ll be proven wrong, i guess ill have to wait till we all get the chance to walk over it before judging. As for Shandon Bridge, on the whole im impressed, though the finishing on the coal quay side leaves alot to be desired- whats up with that crappy perspex screen, and mock cobble stones?! surely a better job could have been done here eh

@Radioactiveman wrote:

Kyrl’s Quay Design Competition Winners

First Place:
Conroy Architecture, Scottish based Bobby Conroy, originally from Bantry, and Patrick Little

Dont like it. Dont like it at all

@rodger wrote:

Lexington ,in answer to your question a dodgy bloke down the pub told me.So the 747 is no longer the yard stick for the description of big/FECKIN HUGE things.Has anyone checked out http://www.niallmclaughlin.com,I think the kid has talent and may bring him leeside.

http://www.niallmclaughlin.com 😀

Check out this site again, some great updates of aerial shots of the city
http://www.irelandphotography.com/aerial/i003.html

I grew up within sighting distance of the castle, and like yourself radioactiveman, spent alot of time exploring the place as a kid, and and even up until recently when they cordoned it off. The castle that stands there now is , in my opinion, one of the finest in the country, the fact that it is only just over 100 years old detracts from any major historical importance, hence one will rarely find it featured in tourist books etc. There has been a castle on the site for centuries, but numerous fires and sieges resulted in it’s reconstruction. The current structure was built with reinforced concrete floors, one of the pioneering projects in the region. It really is a fine building, with it’s numerous turrets, courtyards and passageways, and in my opinion it’s a shame it has been sold, really was such a great amenity. You know what it was sold for? 500 k’s! What a steal, makes it even more infuriating.
It was bought by a descendant of the freke-evans family, a successful wall street businessman. A friend of mine working on the project informs me that work has been stopped due to planning violations, knocking of existing structures etc, a disgrace really.

Agreed Dallas, redevelopment to a scale which would sigfnificantly increase numbers of shoppers really is not a sustainable option, the retail situation is fragile in the city at the moment, pretty much at saturation point in the suburbs. Bishopstown/Wilton could not accomodate an increased traffic volume, and i dont think the city centre could withstand the combined force of a redeveloped wilton sc, mahon point, ballincollig and carrigaline town centres. Perhaps an upgrade of the centre, but i dont see this being feasible without an increase in floor space.

Well known among us Corkonians, but I think pretty much overlooked on a wider scale, the Butter Market possesses an elegance unmatched by any other building on the north bank. Maybe the new Shandon Bridge will remedy this…