urbanisto

Have they! I wonder what the plans are for them…

I have been wondering alot how Abbey Street will develop once the Luas is in place and the street doesnt look like a warzone. I suppose there is limited scope for shopping. Must of the buildings are solid enough stock although many are in need of repair.

I wonder if its being addressed as part of the O’Connell Street plan.

What does everyone else think of what this area needs to develop to its full potential? Is there room for another shopping area in addition to Henry St, the Ilac and Jervis centres. Business is all moving to the Docklands. Residential? Cultural – isnt that Temple Bars label?

I thought so too. Still the odd eyesore (the National Wax Museum for one – WHAT was that all about!) and the shameful neglect of Henrietta Street and the corpo flats in the area could do with some attention. Overall this corner of the city is starting to develop to its full potential.

Sadly Parnell Street is not so fortunate. Its looks like a strip of American shopping malls thanks to the ill thought-out Inner Relief route plan. And the latest addition – the Moore St Mall – is no different. Still at least we’ll have another hotel! Thats exactly whats needed. And what beautiful views there’ll be.

Interesting article in The Observer newspaper over the Christmas detailing the 10 ‘must see’ architectural events of 2003 among themt the unveiling of the Spire in mid-January. Its good to see that we can muster an event of international architectural prominence.

I also recieved a very detailed letter from the O’Connell St Project Manager outlining the schedule for the redevelopment of the street. The project is due to take place over three period: Henry St to Abbey Street in by Dec 2003, Abbey Street to O’Connell Bridge in 2004 and Henry Street to Parnell Street in 2005!! Don’t hold your breaths eh!
Interesting, I was walking down O’Connell Street over Christmas and could hear a guide bus giving commentary on the street. I imagine all those tourists thought they had got their moneys worth looking at the mess it is now!

I think there is also a noise issue with concrete – tarmac absorbs noise more easily. Its porbably less expensive to repair. As for the pavement issue, that all Luas related as those pavements will be resurfaced to integrate them with the Luas rails…in the case of Harcourt St one big footpath.
However I do have an issue with developers who opt for cheap old pour concrete to finish pavements in front of their developments instead of proper flags.
I think the coloured tarmac is a great idea. Also add glass for that sparkling effect on those rare occasions of sunshine

I’m not sure the Uk has always got it right in terms of urban management…apart from high profile areas their architectural standards have been found wanting, the transport systems have been let fall into near ruin and many urban centres suffer from blighted areas. However, it did strike me last night as I stood on Charing Cross road waiting for a bus that things are better there than in Dublin and at least their streetscapes are less cluttered, built to higher density and much more functional and accessable than in Dublin

Our politicians have to be the biggest pack of retards ever…

I weir would be a great idea….and may even have a more practical use as a protection against flooding in view of rising sea levels and the distruction wrought in the last year by high tides. It would also get rid of that nasty low tide look the Liffey has and maybe even contribute to a cleaner river…no more Chime in the Slimes!
As for the baot service, I dont think it would work out to be honest. Look at London…even it struggles to provide a viable commercial service. There just isnt the demand for the service to work. A better option might be to look at providing Sydney-type ferry services from the Docklands to the suburbs around the bay thus releving pressure on the Dart. Not sure how easy our weather would make this.

As for the bridge it looks great but is it a logical place to put it as the Quays on either side arent exactly the most predestrian freindly areas. Once you get past the Campshires then you have to negotiate the heavy good vehicles either side. And both sides seem to be opting for office blocks facing the river rather than more pedestrain orientated shops and bars and restaurants.

There was also a bridge mooted for the Malborough St/Hawkins St axis. Anybody hear anything more about that? Its a part of the O’Connell Integrated Plan. Mind you as we are just about managing to get the Spire constructed (an important but hardly huge element of the plan) I suppose I will have to sit on my hands for a few more years before I see that element in place.

Yes I agree…. The Taney Bridge in particular looks great. I was in Croydon South London yesterday which has a light rail system. The lines have been integrated quite well into the street and allow for both pedestrian and public transport use if the same street (an idea for Dawson Street maybe). However, the stations could so with being a bit more minimalist. The pylons are awful – big clunky railway style pylons. Those in the pictures above look much better.

I would imagine CIE Holding own the bridge… or rather maintain it on behalf of their one shareholder, the Minister for Transport, who controls that share in the interests of the company’s owner the State! Anyway…count me in too. Shall we include the Amiens Street and Talbot Street sections as well

maybe the architects website might have some images….anyone know who’s designed it