2024 Photo Diary

DUBH IS THE IRISH FOR BLACK -239007

August 22, 2024 by infomatique

IT IS ALSO A POPULAR RESTAURANT IN NEWBRIDGE

Dubh, meaning “Black” in Irish, occupies a corner building on one of Newbridge’s oldest streets, overlooking the historic market square. Over the years, this versatile space has served as a pub, venue, grocery store, and more. In 2021, Ubh, formerly a cozy café across the street, took over the space. Now, Dubh offers casual lunches, a creative and vibrant atmosphere for drinks, music, and events, along with delicious pizza.

THE FRANCIS STREET UPGRADE HAS BEEN A HUGE A SUCCESS -236801-1

July 20, 2024 by infomatique

MEATH STREET IS NEXT FOR AN UPGRADE

While the Francis Street Environmental Improvement Scheme has been widely lauded as a success, the Meath Street Public Realm Improvement Scheme encountered some opposition and generated much debate within the local community.

Francis Street in Dublin, renowned for its antique shops and creative atmosphere, has recently undergone a significant transformation under the guidance of Dublin City Council. The Francis Street Environmental Improvement Scheme aimed to enhance the public realm and create a more inviting and vibrant environment.

The project encompassed various improvements, including:

Footpath widening: Sidewalks were broadened, providing more space for pedestrians and allowing for outdoor seating areas.
Greenery: The addition of trees and planters has brought a touch of nature to the street, improving air quality and aesthetics.
Street furniture: New benches, bicycle stands, and bins were installed, enhancing the functionality and convenience of the area.
Lighting: Upgraded lighting systems have improved visibility and safety, particularly during the evening hours.
Traffic calming measures: The implementation of raised pedestrian crossings and kerb buildouts has helped to reduce traffic speeds and prioritise pedestrian safety.

The Francis Street upgrade has been met with widespread approval from both residents and businesses. The improved public realm has led to increased footfall, greater economic activity, and a heightened sense of community pride.

Building on this success, Dublin City Council has now turned its attention to Meath Street, another historic thoroughfare in the Liberties area. The Meath Street Public Realm Improvement Scheme is currently underway and will feature similar enhancements to those implemented on Francis Street.

Key features of the Meath Street upgrade include:

Widened footpaths: More pedestrian space and potential for outdoor markets or trading.
Tree planting: Increased greenery to improve the streetscape and environmental quality.
New street furniture: Enhancing the functionality and comfort of the street.
Improved lighting and pedestrian crossings: Prioritising pedestrian safety and accessibility.
The Meath Street project aims to replicate the positive outcomes achieved on Francis Street, revitalising the area and creating a welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

TRAMS TRAVELLING TO AND FROM THE POINT

July 16, 2024 by infomatique

RED LINE TRAM SERVICE

Today I had weird conversation when a tourist at Connelly Station asked me for directions on how get to the Point … I told them they needed to get a tram from Store Street and then a person standing nearby said that there was no tram stop at Store Street and that the person needed to go to the “Busaras” stop and when I said but that’s on Store Street he responded ” the Luas stop serving Busáras on Store Street is technically located on Marlborough Street”. I said to the tourist “I will walk with to the correct stop”.

Taking the Luas Red Line from Store Street (Busáras) to the Point Village:

Busáras Stop: The journey begins at the Busáras Luas stop, located directly across the street from the Busáras bus station on Store Street. It is easily accessible and clearly signposted.

Line and Direction: Ensure you board a Red Line tram heading towards “The Point.” This information is usually displayed on the front of the tram and on platform signage.

Stops en Route:

George’s Dock: The first stop after Busáras, located in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
Mayor Square – NCI: This stop serves the National College of Ireland and the surrounding area.
Spencer Dock: Located in the heart of the Docklands, a bustling area with offices, shops, and restaurants.
The Point: This is your final destination. The Point stop is situated in the Point Village, a vibrant area known for its entertainment venues like the 3Arena, as well as hotels and restaurants.

Travel Time and Frequency:

The journey from Busáras to The Point typically takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Luas Red Line trams run frequently, usually every 5-10 minutes during peak hours and slightly less often during off-peak hours.
Additional Tips:

Tickets: You can purchase Luas tickets from ticket machines at each stop or use a Leap Card, a rechargeable smart card valid on most public transport in Dublin.
Real-time Information: Check the Luas website or app for the most up-to-date timetable and service information.

ST JOSEPH’S CHURCH

July 16, 2024 by infomatique

CHURCH ROAD IN THE EAST WALL AREA OF DUBLIN DOCKLANDS

As I walked along Upper Sheriff Street, using a telephoto lens, I could photograph St. Joseph’s Church situated on Church Road in the East Wall area of Dublin.

St. Joseph’s Church, located on Church Road in the East Wall area of Dublin, is a Catholic church that serves as the heart of the local community. Constructed in 1941, the church features a simple yet elegant design, reflecting the post-war architectural style of the time. Its unassuming exterior belies a warm and welcoming interior, adorned with stained glass windows that depict scenes from the life of Christ and St. Joseph.

The church is dedicated to St. Joseph, the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus. As the patron saint of workers and families, St. Joseph holds a special significance for the East Wall community, which has historically been a working-class area. The church serves as a place of worship, solace, and community gathering for residents of all ages.

Parish History:

The parish of East Wall was established in 1941, carved out from the larger parish of St. Laurence O’Toole in North Wall. The creation of the new parish reflected the growing population of East Wall, which had seen a significant influx of residents in the early 20th century due to the development of the Dublin Port and associated industries.

In the early years, the parish faced numerous challenges, including limited resources and a lack of infrastructure. However, the community rallied together, led by their dedicated priests and parishioners, to build St. Joseph’s Church and establish a thriving parish. Over the years, the parish has played a vital role in the social and spiritual life of East Wall, providing support and guidance to generations of residents.

Community Engagement:

St. Joseph’s Church is not just a place of worship; it is also a hub of community activity. The parish offers a variety of programs and services, including religious education, youth groups, senior citizen clubs, and charitable initiatives. The church also hosts numerous social events throughout the year, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among parishioners.

Recent Developments:

In recent years, St. Joseph’s Church has undergone renovations to improve its facilities and accessibility. The parish has also embraced technology, offering online Mass services and utilising social media to connect with parishioners. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the parish has continued to serve the community, providing spiritual support and practical assistance to those in need.

Conclusion:

St. Joseph’s Church stands as a testament to the resilience and faith of the East Wall community. Its history is intertwined with the development of the area, reflecting the challenges and triumphs of its residents. As a place of worship, community gathering, and social support, the church continues to play a vital role in the life of East Wall, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.

RYDER’S ROW TRIANGLE -236547-1

July 16, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED SUNDAY 14 JULY 2024

The short stretch of Parnell Street connecting Ryder’s Row and Capel Street in Dublin has been a notorious example of urban neglect for many decades. Characterised by derelict buildings, vacant lots, and a general air of dilapidation, this area stood in stark contrast to the bustling activity of nearby Capel Street and Parnell Square.

Reasons for Neglect:

Several factors contributed to the long-term neglect of this part of Parnell Street:

Economic Decline: The area suffered from the broader economic decline of Dublin’s inner city in the latter half of the 20th century. Many businesses closed down, leaving buildings vacant and vulnerable to decay.

Planning Issues: A lack of clear planning direction and investment hampered efforts to revitalise the area. The fragmented ownership of properties also made it difficult to coordinate redevelopment initiatives.

Anti-Social Behaviour: The derelict buildings and vacant lots attracted anti-social behaviour, further deterring potential investment and contributing to a negative image of the area.

Changing Retail Landscape: The rise of suburban shopping centres and online retail also contributed to the decline of traditional high street shops in the area.

The Dutch Billy House:

Despite the overall neglect, this section of Parnell Street holds a unique architectural gem – a surviving example of a “Dutch Billy” house. These houses, named after King William of Orange (“King Billy”), were built in the late 17th and early 18th centuries and are characterised by their distinctive gabled facades. The presence of this historic house adds a layer of complexity to the redevelopment debate, as preservationists advocate for its protection while developers see the potential for new construction.

Future of the Area:

In recent years, there have been some positive signs of change for this neglected stretch of Parnell Street.

Capel Street Pedestrianisation: The pedestrianisation of Capel Street has increased footfall and created a more vibrant atmosphere in the surrounding area.

Redevelopment Projects: A number of redevelopment projects are underway or in planning, including the conversion of some derelict buildings into apartments and mixed-use developments.

Urban Regeneration Initiatives: Dublin City Council has launched several urban regeneration initiatives aimed at improving the public realm and attracting new businesses to the area.

Heritage Preservation: There is growing recognition of the historical and architectural value of the area, including the Dutch Billy house. This could lead to more sensitive redevelopment approaches that preserve heritage features while revitalising the area.

Challenges Remain:

While there are positive developments, significant challenges remain. Balancing the need for economic revitalisation with the preservation of heritage and community character will require careful planning and community engagement. The high cost of property in the area could also limit the development of affordable housing and local businesses.

Conclusion:

The future of this short section of Parnell Street remains uncertain, but there is a growing sense of optimism that it can be transformed into a vibrant and attractive part of the city. By addressing the underlying causes of neglect and involving the local community in the planning process, it is possible to create a future that respects the area’s history while embracing new possibilities.