Rory W
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As pastiche goes Harcourt Street (without the Luas works which just looks messy) looks fine considering the amount of pastiche on it. I’d sooner see a decent Pastiche (if not full replica) facade on the fitzwilliam street buildings than the current one. The only reason the ESB got away with demolishing these buildings was the lack of regulation, rather than the “crap” tag – yes they were hacked out of all recognition (inside) from their original state, but there are very few intact georgians about.
Don’t forget there was two periods, Georgian and Georgian revival, so copying the past isn’t necessarily a new invention. Or a bad thing.
Having followed the various goings on around Strand Street for a number of years, I feel that this street along with the Lotts and general area coulds be on the cusp of an organically (i.e. non tax break funded) renewal – could be a very interesting place.
Has anyone noticed the new bars opening up on middle abbey street – not mojos urgh – there is some kind of Spanish Bar (called “Tapas Bar” not sure if they do Tapas there though – which I’ve been told is pretty cool) and another place whose name escapes me in the old “Chapters Music” shop that looks kind of funky. Is this the first sign of Luas/Spire driven Gentrification in the city centre?
I think – to paraphase Sam Stephenson – Mr Ross would prefer “self effacing buildings like VD clinics” than a work of scupture that will put something good into the decaying O’Connell Street.
All this “chattering class” stuff is just another lefty swipe – oh the middle class like it so it must be shite – pathetic!
I’m sure some quarters (in particular the media – who are delighted to accuse the farmers of being whingers but don’t notice it themselves) would begrudge it being done.
I think it would be a fine idea – rich folk, come buy your townhouse along with neighbours Dermot Desmond, Dr Sir Tony J F O’Reilly (or what ever he goes by these days) and the Albany Men’s Clinic (eh?)
We just have to ask ourselves do we want to pay more tax, then we can have all the services we desire. Compare the rate of tax that I pay 42% (and I ain’t rich by any stretch of the imagination), a friend of mine who lives in France and earns less than I do pays 57% tax. Yes we can have a continental style healthcare system but we’ll have to pay fo it!
Liberty Hall could look excellent if the original clear glass was restored and the facade given a general sprucing up. The floor that they did fix up as part of the theatre venue in the ajoining Connolly Hall looks very nice, please finish the job.
And reopen the viewing platform too, could be a nice little earner for the comrades and bretheren in SIPTU – there ain’t no bombs round these parts no more.
Speaking of backtracking – one of the columnists in that rag that is Ireland (Mail) on Sunday has apologised for ranting about the spire and now admits it’s a welcome addition to Dublin – more revisionist history. Should the Lord Mayor, who voted against the Spire originally, be allowed to preside at the official launch?
Graham welcome to the league of Senior members, you now qualify for use of the executive washroom and a lifetime’s supply of oxygen.
I have a soft spot in my heart (or should that be head) for O’Connell Bridge house – don’t ask me why but it’s very much a part of Dublin – wish they’d reopen its original roof top restaurant though
I too saw it from the loop line bridge early this morning – it looked amazing as the sun was only rising and the sky was a uniform navy colour. It really looked like a beacon!
Originally posted by StephenC
Thats an interesting question: What is the reason behind this irrational fear of tall buildings? Why did they build Liberty Hall and then stop at that?After Liberty Hall, O’Connell Bridge and Hawkins House were built, Concerns were raised as to the height a building could be built so the Corporation introduced a plot:height ratio that killed most tall buildings dead in the water
What that end of O’Connell Street needs are some night time draws, such as good quality restaurants/bars etc that will draw people to the area after dark, as well as something like the Abbey Theatre, I like the idea though that the upper floors of the Carlton development could be residential!
Don’t forget O’Connell Street used to be the entertainment centre of Dublin.
The main trouble with shops/Malls etc is that come 6pm they’re closed – give us something with at least 18 hours of life please or introduce Barcelona style opening hours (open until 10pm – fantastic)
Ah Zozimus – you could have added the swastikas on to the Hindenberg
“Oh the humanity….”
I assume that woman (mother of 9 with 7 children appearently) saying give the money to the church to look after homeless children was a joke on someones part – if the church want money for that how about dipping into the millions that have been accrued from selling land in South Dublin (or has that gone already in paying compensation to some of the kids they “looked after”).
Oops – sorry for the Ben Elton liberal rant there. Hurray for Spires – that photo from the Times is cool. However I don’t think Starksy and Hutch will get their car roof light back from up there.
Delighted with the applause from the crowd down there at lunchtime, quite the occasion. I feel so happy that this is finally in place.
PS That mad Ukrainian woman was telling anyone who would listen that the Spire would be down within a year and replaced with her entry – daft as a brush I’m afraid (Shes convinced shell be on the front page of the Irish Times tomorrow as well – hopefully not, they shouldn’t mock the mentally unwell).
I am really delighted – I want to celebrate!
To Quote the late Oliver J. Flanagan – F*ck the begrudgers
Because we are a nation of small minded folk who care when it suits us – if you want to solve the crisis in health/homeless etc etc you will have to pay more tax.
And you try finding out who wants less money to take home….
Ah the famous Dublin charm and Begrudery, tourists must love it…
Seriously though, their main compaint is “it doesn’t do anything” – is art supposed to do something? Other than be admired?
The Fingal building isn’t in public ownership – its owned by the McGettigan family of hotelliers and publicans (they who owned the Baggot Inn etc)
