urbanisto
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There is reference to a city legibility study as part of the new development plan. Perhaps this might tackle it. However i have commented on it as well on a number of occasions but nothing ever gets done. They just increase. It would be interesting to know the actual cost of these works and the amount that Sierra (the main contractors responsible) have made from them.
I thought Bridgefoot Street went on to James Joyce Bridge? It woiuld seem to make sense to widen the street as it would allow traffic to pass through more easily. This route is now part of the inner circle cross city route the council launched last year. The present layout just looks messy and illogical to me.
I wonder was it anything to do with the pre-1988 layout of the street. Remember the median used to be irregular and broken for use as a carpark. Its only since 1988 that a full broad median has been in place.
Work is taking ages on the central area between Abbey and the Bridge probably as a result of the summer hols. However the pace has noticeably increased the past few days so it should be ready soon. Then the construction of the kiosks starts and I supposed this is the reason for removing the newly planted trees further down the street.
It is unfortunate to see that the City Council’s prechant for erecting poles with no visible use is being repeated on OO’Connell St. At least these ones are stainless steel rather than the ugly galvinised steel everywhere else in the city (and I mean everywhere!)
I wonder if there is any chance that the monuments restoration work will be extended to the Moore, Grattan and Davitt monuments on College Green. I would love to see that fountain repaired and the whole island floodlit.
Does anyone know when the cleaning will take place. The Spire looks a stae at the moment – very grubby. Is the idea to flloodlight it dead and buried?
The lawns are a state, they havent been the same since last years Fringe Festival when the Speilgeltent was put here. If they were better maintained then the park would look much better. The design is quite good and its appropriate to the size and area. The park is also quite well used which is a plus and something that no doubt will increase once the Church development is complete.
From what I remember of the proposals there is to be an L-shaped 6 storey srtucture on two sides of a new square on the current site of the fish markets which will be demolished. The current Fruit and Veg markets will front onto the square. This building will be revamped to become a commercial markets along the lines of the Engilish Market in Cork. There are also plans to replace the Fyffes warehouse. I also understood that there were to be certain design criteria laid downa nd that a maximum height of 6 storeys was to be implemented with a number of higher focal point buildings allowed.
Well the Project Manager seemed to suggest that it would be completed in 8 months… however, I always thought Abbey St to the Bridge was Phase 2 including the building of kiosks. However this work is already underway and I see no reason why it should not be completed by the years end. The final section, ie the northern end from Henry to Parnell I thought was Phase 3. But a tender notice was issued earlier in the week for Phase 2 works to commence later this year. I presume this is Phase 3 …. its all very confusing! Anyhow the point was that the works should be completed by Christmas of next year, which if the start in Feb 2005 and take 8-9 months takes us to Dec. Thats realisitic surely.
I agree. There was an excellent article in the Times last week which outlined exactly how disjointed our government is. The example used was the Governments Drug Strategy, the administration of which covers about 6 different departments.
I have no problem with federalism… that would be a more effective form of decentralisation but surely the most logocal and cost effective form would be to strengthen local government. This present plan is so blatantly an attempt to provide perks for certain constituencies… witness Willie O’Dea setting out his cabinet stall with a promise to be Minister for Limerick
There was an interesting discussion on 106Fm the other day with Paul Moloney (the North City Area Manager) and Cllr Dermot Lacey (former Lord Mayor) re the street. Apparently the next remainder of the street will completed over a period of 8 months from early next year. Also answered comments on the dificulty in discerning the path from roadwauy in the plaza area (no change – use pedestrian crossings) and the slippy surface of the plaza (it will be treated next week to create a more abrasive surface)
I think that CIE have made a complete pigs bollox out of Connolly. From the facade (in dire need of weeding/painting/ cleaning) to the awful repositioned entrance, the cheap materials used throughout, the length of time it takes to get to the DART platforms from the ticket hall, even these stupid new canopies over the LUAS stop. Grand Union Station it aint… and a welcome to the new contemporary, cool Dublin of the 21C it ain’t either!
On the other hand Heuston looks great. All thats missing is a proper bus stop area in front with modern shelters and furniture. Hopefully this is all in the pipeline once the LUAS works have been comepleted here.
You can already see this tapering effect on the kerb line of the central median currently being constructed. I dont like it as it is ruining the uniformity and formality of the section completed to date. Having said that I suppose that the O’Connell Monument has to be passed by pedestrians otherwise the whole median here becomes redundant. If I remember rightly the median prior to the 1988 reconstruction did not allow you to walk around the stature which was also surrounded by railings.
I think that the lack of spotlighting for the various monuments on the street is pity. Also I would have liked some colour introduced as part of the lighting scheme. Blue can look particularly effective.
I am starting to rethink my opinion about the tree planting. I think a more consistent planting scheme would have been better, perhaps clipped trees throughout.
Also What? have the Savoy done to their frontage. It looks crap. I think they are trying for the Odeon Leicester Square look but the result is cheap and tack and bland in the extreme. I would have much prefered to see a return to the classic cinema canopy with lights and lettering. Shame.
I think there has definately been a marked difference in the level of utility works in the city centre in the past couple of years. Whether this is a result of economic downturn or the result of changes to the law (the Communications Act which allowed all deregulated utilities the same rights as the old semistates was ammeded about two years ago) or simply better management by the CC is open to debate.
There also seems to be a more concerted effort to replace the aul dollops, although I think the situation on Henry St is a disgrace.
Did anyone read the article on the new range of kiosks being constructed in the city in the Sunday Tribune Property section the weeke before last. Very interesting. Apparently there has been considerable interest in these structures and that three are close to being let. The DCC have also stipulated that no food retailers will be considered as this would compete with the two Boardwalk units currently occupied by coffee sellers. The range of retailers interested was quite impressive: booksellers, galleries, clothes, florists.
The article also considered the three new kiosks at various Luas stations. These are being considered for a new breed of convenience store. Call me a cynic but three new Spars beckon!
As the Centra slogan on QFm says ”We’ve got Dublin covered”. No arguement there.
I presonally am wondering why the CC didnt adopt a standardised design for all these units. The new kiosks planned for O’Connell St will be different again. A quick glance around Paris would show a uniform design to kiosks which have become identified with the city. Its a pity the same could not have been done here, particularly when the koisks are all placed so close to each other.
The statue is of John Gray (I think) its the same one that is now at the junction with Abbey Street.
Re the bicycle lanes: these were placed on alongside the median to prevent cycle traffic being interfered with by buses pulling in and out of stops. As a cyclist I dont think it works at all. Most people ignore it and I guess the fact that the lane is incomplete doesnt help.
Also we can now see just why the street will take another two years to complete…. just look at how long it is taking to pave that small median between the bridge and Abbey St. Its ridiculous. Part of the stage will be the constuction of three new kiosks – one on the centre median and two on the sidewalks. Could this be the reason for the removal of the two trees infront of Irish Permanent.
Well after months (or has it been years) of activity the Bookstalls on Grattan Bridge are finally complete. I have to say that never was there such a poorly concieved and executed project. Ironically they are presently being used to trumpet some of the CCs latest prestige project such as the Spire and the revamp of City Hall. No sign of themn being used for their actual purpose which is bookstalls. On the whole I think the stalls are better for having had the light pylons removed. The finished paving around the base leaves a lot to be desired though. We shouldn’t complain though as it will probably be dug up again soon enough due to the fact that the stalls will not be comercially viable. Personally, I think investing in a good all year round Dublin Market would have been a better option.
Elsewhere the Boardwalk extension (another expensive project – €3m according to the Indo this morning! €3m!) will be complete next months. At present the base has been erected and the Liffey wall breached in three places. Anyone have any idea what happens to all those granite blocks once they are removed. They must be worth a fortune.
Lastly along the Liffey is the new bridge down opposite ‘chq’ in the Docklands.
The good news is that another similar creation is being built just across the street. I suppose the thinking behind it is to create a corridor of modern buildings to complement the Luas. AXA Insurance (or whatever the company is in the old PMPA offices) are also looking to demolish the comfortable redbrick 19c houses on Abbey St to build a new office develeopment. The of course there is the new development at Chapter House.
Personally I support the Third Party Right of Appeal as I think it makes the planning process more transparent and accountable. Does it work well in Ireland? In theory I think it does. It is definately becoming increasingly contentious, especially with regard to prescribed bodies. But it works both ways, while it allows any individual to comment on and appeal any planning decision it which may adversly affect them it also can be seen to throw a spanner in the works for any individual seeking to gain permission. Hence you get all these stories from local councillors about ‘poor young couples’ who just ‘can’t get permission’ for their 10 bed Dallas-style mansion with septic tank on the banks of that beautiful river or on the crest of that incredibly scenic hill.
On the whole I think it is a progressive measure in our planning system and one that should be encouraged as a way of increasing participation in the planning system.
A good news story from O’Connell St….
I noticed a recent planning application to expand the Centra at 16 O’Connell St. This is the mid-terrace shop just after Clery’s. The proposal involved knocking through into No. 15 and erecting new signage etc. It would have looked awful and completely ruined the fact that these are two seperately designed buildings. The fact that there are already a zillion other convenience stores in the area added to my poor opionion of this development.
I was considering an objection and went to the Planning Office only to find the proposal had been refused by DCC on the ground that it would ruin the exsiting terrace and be contrary to the provisons of the new Architectural Conservation Area for O’C St. It also noted that no more permissions for fastfood outlets or convenience stores would be granted along O’Connell St.
A quiet victory of sorts and a promising development for the street.
Regarding the new lighting. There does seem to be an awful lots of lighting in the cental median. You can now see the fixtures that will be used. I have seem them used a lot in London. I am looking forward to the new lighting scheme being switched on… any idea when?
A good news story from O’Connell St….
I noticed a recent planning application to expand the Centra at 16 O’Connell St. This is the mid-terrace shop just after Clery’s. The proposal involved knocking through into No. 15 and erecting new signage etc. It would have looked awful and completely ruined the fact that these are two seperately designed buildings. The fact that there are already a zillion other convenience stores in the area added to my poor opionion of this development.
I was considering an objection and went to the Planning Office only to find the proposal had been refused by DCC on the ground that it would ruin the exsiting terrace and be contrary to the provisons of the new Architectural Conservation Area for O’C St. It also noted that no more permissions for fastfood outlets or convenience stores would be granted along O’Connell St.
A quiet victory of sorts and a promising development for the street.
Regarding the new lighting. There does seem to be an awful lots of lighting in the cental median. You can now see the fixtures that will be used. I have seem them used a lot in London. I am looking forward to the new lighting scheme being switched on… any idea when?
