urbanisto
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What on earth is going on with this. Is it so impossible to identify a need (as clearly exists!) and to plan a viable and cost effective solution with all stakeholders. Isnt that the whole reason for setting up the D of T in the first place to streamline the Government decision-making process and avoid the whole scenario of various fingers messing up the pie!
“I guess the guy and his commissions faded with Charlie, huh?”
Funny that eh!?
I read the aplnning notive ages ago for the development on Burgh Quay somewhere. I think its 6 stories in total with 4 stories facing the street and the top two penthouse (nice view!) floors set back gradually. Which should mean it looks completely in keeping with the other balls-ups on B Q behind the old Corn Exchange.
Hear hear… the same goes for the other side streets included in the plan like Malborough, Parnell Sq etc, Westmoreland…. why drag out the misery of roadworks!
I suppose in an ideal world the whole area should be a ‘landmark’… will two or three buildings have to do then?
I was going to say that … but then I thought isn’t it a tunnel from St Stephens Green to Broadstone and then overland to the Airport? Even so, €1.7 billion seems very excessive for land aquistion outside of the city centre.
Also Graham, I would expect Mr White to sound reasonable and credible in interview as it is job to put across a prfessional face to the RPA but that still doesnt make his protestations any more believable. I am sure construction costs are not that much higher than in Spain (Common Market and all that..) and how does he know that this is the final final figure. Rather than talking of contingency funds he should be agreeing a budget and then ensuring that the project comes in on budget.
I watched an excellent programme on BBC2 (via BBC3) on Sunday afternoon called Dreamspaces. Anyone catch it? It featured Antwerp in Belgium, reporting on how a visionary and daring city council have rejuvenated the city and created some pretty fantastic new buidlings all in sympathy to the historical look of the city. It was very interesting..well worth catching next week. And definately a great example of what can be done with vision, willpower and good managment.
Thats true, I remember the plans published by the Fitzgerald government to pedestrianise College Green and Westmoreland Street. they were pretty radical and would have been a great project during the 1988 Millennium.
But Haughey doesnt have an architectural legacy. His pet projects like at Government Buildings, the Royal Hospital and Dublin Castle and Temple Bar involved renovating and giving purpose to other peoples buildings. It may well be argued that he has left a ‘cultural’ legacy in regards to the IMMA, tax breaks for artists, and vocal support for the arts, but I dont think there are any physical monuments to the Haughey years.
In fact I would be argued that Lemass was the last Taoiseach to leave an actual architectural legacy behind. Certainly Bertie has absolutely no inclination or imagination in that area. Bertie just wants to be seen as a good ‘manager’ or ‘chief executive’. I dont think the astethic look of the country is of any interest to him.
I never thought of an Irish name (the shame of it) and I quite like the idea of An Tur Solais. im glad the CC opted for the common sense choice.
Many of the concrete lamps were still on O’Connell St and Bridge until about 10 years ago..maybe removed as part of the centre mall widening in 1988 – 90. I am almost certain that I have seen a couple of the actual lamps in the Globe bar I think… some bar anyhow. That might give you an idea what happened to these lamps.
I can’t understand why they replaced them… especially since they were replaced by such poor quality lamp posts. Also there seems to be no logic or agreed design for replacing street light in the city. Litterally each street seems to have its own type and many street have a number of different varieties. This might be okay when street lighting is bieng used as a feature, eg Henry Street. But I think the CC should have one or two specific designs for general use.
I like these lamposts as well But I would rather see them moved to a more suitable spot all together to keep their effect.
There are also three or four remaining on D’Olier St in front of the Irish Times offices but the other side of the street is lined with the silver replica lamps you metion. I would rather the whole areas was replaced with the replica lamps and the concrete ones moved.Also in this area, the CC have removed the small grassy island in front of Pearse St station to make way for a bus lane. I hate this policy of concreting over these small grassy spaces. The end up looking so bland and dead. As usual the finish on the new island is very bad… sign posts abound, nothing intersting done to set off the monument in the centre.
Dublin Bus is building a new depot in Finglas. Maybe they have longterm plans for Broadstone which havent surfaced yet
Its easy to pay the congestion charge. you can pay by phone, on-line (although there have been complaints about the site crashing), by mobile phone (similar to the way parking is paid for in Dublin) and in local shops. How much easier can you get!
Hands off the Northside!!
There have been some really positive things happening there….. as mentioned already here there is the whole O’Connell Street IAP (which involves the adjoining areas don’t forget), HARP, the North East Inner City rejuvenation scheme (granted this will invlove a LOT of work), the redevelopment around North King Street, an improvement scheme around the Royal Canal. Lots happening and I think in a few year we’ll reap the benefits. As the core city expands the northside will start to look much more like a part of city centre and less like the slum land t is at the moment.
The ‘Living Over The Shop’ scheme….
As far as I can see the only project this seems to have invloved are the two buildings at the (quay) end of Capel St. But you are right Roy – there is loads of potential for accommodation over shop innthe city….Abbey Street is a case in point.
The CC seem to have earmarked some of its housing stock for demolition and rebuilding. Bridgefoot Street flats spring to mind. What they were thinking when they built the original I do not know….
