urbanisto
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there’s definately a copy of this in Bolton St library, as part of a compendium I believe. I think that ENFO have a copy as well.
ZZzzzzzzz
Good god, what seems like the longest construction project in history rolls on. It seems to be approaching the end though. However I am very disappointed by the paving being done outside. There are now about 4 different styles and colours of paving at and around this site and it looks a mess. Why a uniform scheme couldnt have been put in place for Henry St, Mary St, the Church environs and Wolfe Tone Park I dont know, Still it will be good to the see the project eventuallly conpleted. The building itself has been beautifully cleaned up. Not sure about the golden staircase but its not dreadful either….a feature. Hopefully it will be a stimulus to more restaurants and bars for the area. Mary Street is an ideal location for this to happen.
They’re not originals they only went in a few years back when the CC had a fit of installing ‘heritage’ lighting on medians.. Nice though. Pity there’s only a couple of them.
I havent noticed any work yet…but then the Houses do take a very long summer recess (although obviously individual TDs and senators are constantly working on behalf of their constituents)
I got the impression that the Heritage Officer (isnt he a she?) was of the opinion that repairs such as these and the bullet holes in DO’C would be inappropriate as they are part of the history of the monuments. However the fingers should probably have been put back.
Anyone know if the taxi drivers statue of Jesus will be going back once the works have been completed. Judging by the paving line (this is the first spot to have kerbs laid) the taxi rank will still be in place once the median is completed.
Yes I agree. The attitude towards Grafton St is very ‘wet’ to say the least. The CC hae to be more proactive in combatin g decline on the street. To say they dont want to interfer is a cope out. They can take many practical steps such as repaving the street so that it doesnt look like a forgotten 80s relic. And use the planning system to keep the balance of business in the street right. Following the example of Regent St in London with design standards for shops on the street would also easily be implemented – as you say they already have the Howley Harrington document.
The same attitude clouds his comments regarding great land uses north of the river, in particular the lack of restuarants and quality bars and cafes. ‘Pleading’ with developers iisnt going to get us anywhere. Why not try by creating the right environment for the people who will use these restaurants. Why was Abbey Street turned into a barren windswept strech when the Luas went in. Why no widened footpaths and treets to make the street more enticing to pedestrians. Why are Mary St and Liffey St both left to wallow in such poor condition when they are perfect candidates for locating new restaurants.
A boardwalk past Ormond Quays seems pointless to me. There just isnt the pedestrain activity to merit it (although I appreciate there is a degree of chicken and egg scenario here). The CC would be better placed concentrating on getting people up to Smithfield and Heuston along the Luas line then investing in a redundant Boardwalk. The existing B is a nice feature in the city centre but its no substitute for proper predestrain space along the quays and investment in new shops and businesses farther up river.
Could spend the money painting those bloody flagpoles providing some decent public lighting.
This one seemed to have sunk like a lead balloon TP…. a pity seeing as the announcements will form the core of future debates on the site. These plans were all well flagged but it is welcome none the less that they recieved this new impetus. I am particularly interested iin seeing the details of the Markets Framework Plan (the final version that is) as this are is really important if Smithfield is to succeed. Interesting as well to see just how many plans the CC has in the air at the moment – these three, plus the existing plans and IAPs, Parnell Sq, revamps of Capel and Pearse St, Dorset St, a recently announced conservation scheme for Lower Rathmines Road. Busy times in Dubin.
Look closer…. the fingers ae still missing.
Its chaos on OC St at the moment but hopefully this time next year we will see the whole street laid out. Work has also started the remaining section from Abbey St to the Bridge.
Its a shame to see the creep of visual clutter along the street however. The new bus stops plonked right in the middle of the plaza are a good example. if they are temporary then why not use moveable posts set in concrete. If they are permanent (and lets face it this is likely) then why were the works done in such a crude manner. Add to these stops the signage. electrical boxes , bike stands and now the army of bollards that have been put in on the median between Abbey and the Bridge. Obviously there to stop motorbikes parking over the service traps but are they really necessary!
Graham – I think you express the situation regarding trees in the city very well. I too supported the removal of the OC St trees because the planting was so central to the new scheme for the street and I think I would agree with people’s opinions of the trees around College Green.
However this city is shamefully devoid of trees and what planting that has occured has generally been badly carried out. Consider the quays, whcih should look so green and lush, with their haphazard planting and gaps. It is shameful that newly renovated streets generally contain no planting even though they could easily be factored in when new building is taking place. A perfect example is Kings Inn Street which has been conpletely rebuilt on but without a tree in sight even though the addition of planting would liven up the streetscape no end. Ironically the marketing photos for these schemes show the building ‘softened’ with planting. Perhaps its the Ray Burke style planting that disappears as quickly as it appears.
It should also be noted to all the chainsaw-happy brigade that urban trees are proven to significantly reduce the heat buildup in urban centres. Additionally, the presence of green verges and planting is important in dealing with surface runoff. The point is that trees and green areas are vital elements to a healthy city. However like any other element in the streetscape they need to be well thought out, well planned and properly maintained. The CC should take some positive action in this area and start planting a legacy for the city of 50 years from now. Cities such as London and Paris have somehow managed to combine successful planting with vistas and architecture…why not Dublin.
Here’s an old one….. aaah I remember….
Anyhow I noticed a planning application (maybe a grant actually) for resoration and repair of the gates of the Four Courts. About time wouldnt you say
Just so as this thread doesnt descend into continual bashing of tscott lets bash the City Council instead. The ‘water feature’ at the end of SK St is still not working after about 2? 3? years. What an utter waste of money. I bet it cost thousands. Its unbeliveable that its just going to be left there with complementary cones.
I heard little or no comment on the revamp of Busaras which was recently completed. Anyone get a chance to have a look – its looking nice and smaert and clean. Its a pity the revamp was limited to the foyer area. A lick of paint and some thoughful floodlighting would be welcome
Yes it awkward looking isnt it. And such a dull choice of brick. Another poor ttreatment of a prominent corner. The new apartment building on Gardiner St/Summerhill is very similar in style albeit with a rendered finish instead of brick. The developers of the new Amiens St development changed their original plan for a medical centre and small business units at ground floor level to a large convenience store. Its a joke considering that Spar or Centra will be taking residence just across the street. You can see the future…. The Blighting of Dublin by Frank MacDonald – a comment on the inexorable rise of convenience stores.
Yes I agree….does it affect the competion or standard of entries if competing firms are aware of other practices taking part.
HARP and NEIC Area are both City Coucil projects,. Only the Docklands is an outside body now. Even Temple Bar has been subsumed back into the Council. I agree with your point about Georges Dock – I though it looked great last night with the Footsbarn at its centre. It seems like a waste to change it all again even before it has managed to develop. However maybe it was always seen as a difficult elemnt in the Docklands masterplan and this is just the opportunity it needed.
Any opinion on the liberty Corner development on Foley St. I think it looks quite nice. Vastly superior to Independant House beside it. I also notice that work has finally begun on the Talbot St Foley St link scheme whihc will see a new entertainment centre and a new street. Its the site under the railway bridge for those who are unfamiliar.
Also down this end of town…. a particularly lifeless apartment block has been unveiled at Five Lamps while the opposite corner, derelict for some time, has been demolished for the development of yet another apartment block. And guess who the tennants will be for the retail units that will conprise both developments….
BTW a fab collection of pictures of the statues Graham, thank you for posting them. Doesnt the street looks so strange without its trees. It will be 40 more years before you see it looking so lush…..I can feel the arthritis in my neck as I strain to look up at them
I agree a proper strategy for planting trees in the city is required. When you think about it this city is realy devoid of trees, apart from those mentioned so far and those along the quays. I think that Westmoreland St would be fantasic as a uniformly laid boulevard with trees kept under control. The existing trees are a little straggly.
