Dublin Development

MARCH 2024

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Dame Street Today

Lively Mix of Landmarks: Dame Street features an eclectic mix of buildings, from historic to contemporary, including:
City Hall: A grand 18th-century building.
Dublin Castle: The historic fortress and government complex.
Central Plaza: A 1970s modernist building, and a reminder of the era’s architectural changes to the street.
Olympia Theatre: Beloved Dublin performance venue.
Shopping & Entertainment: While still holding onto its historical charm, Dame Street is a vibrant part of Dublin’s retail and entertainment landscape, with shops, restaurants, and pubs catering to a variety of tastes.
Public Transport Hub: Major bus routes run along Dame Street, making it well-connected to other areas of Dublin.

Interesting Facts

Barnardos Square: Between Dublin Castle and City Hall, this little square marks the birthplace of Dr. Thomas Barnardo, the founder of the Barnardo’s children’s charity.

Commercial Buildings: These Georgian buildings stood on Dame Street until the 1970s, and included the historic Ouzel Galley Society. They were demolished, making way for the Central Plaza.

The ‘Ha’penny Bridge Connection: Dame Street’s historical architecture featured a pedestrian shortcut through the Commercial Buildings to the iconic Ha’penny Bridge further east.

A Walk Along Dame Street

A stroll down Dame Street offers a glimpse into Dublin’s fascinating past and its dynamic present. From grand historic buildings to modern amenities, you’ll feel the pulse of the city while appreciating its layers of history.

The Difference Between College Green And College Street

While sharing the “College” name, College Street and College Green in Dublin are quite distinct. Here’s a breakdown of their differences and what makes College Street unique:

College Street

The Street Itself: College Street is a relatively narrow street on the eastern side of Trinity College Dublin. It curves slightly from its junction with College Green and stretches northeast towards Pearse Street.

Architectural Flair: College Street is lined with a mixture of architectural styles. You’ll see imposing Georgian buildings alongside more contemporary designs.
Businesses and Institutions: While there are some shops and cafes, College Street primarily features offices, banks, and institutions, including the front entrance of the Irish Stock Exchange.

Ambience: College Street has a professional and somewhat quieter atmosphere compared to the bustling College Green.

College Green

The Plaza: College Green is a grand, open triangular plaza at the front of Trinity College’s iconic entrance. It’s one of the most important public spaces in Dublin.

Landmarks: College Green is dominated by three major landmarks:
Trinity College Dublin: The prestigious university’s imposing front facade.
Bank of Ireland: The former Irish Parliament building, a magnificent example of 18th-century architecture.

Statue of Henry Grattan: A prominent statue commemorating the Irish statesman.

Buzz and Activity: College Green is a focal point for tourists, students, and city life. It’s a popular spot for events, demonstrations, and general relaxation.

The History Of College Green

Here’s the story behind College Green in Dublin and the reason for its name:

Origins and Evolution

Medieval Past: The area now known as College Green has existed as an open space on the outskirts of Dublin since medieval times. It was originally a marshy area used for grazing and called Hoggen Green.

Trinity College: The name “College Green” arose directly from its historical connection to Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592. The open expanse outside the main college gates became known for this association.

Parliamentary Shift: A key turning point was the construction of the Irish Houses of Parliament building (now the Bank of Ireland) on College Green in the 18th century. This gave the space a sense of grandeur and solidified its status as a key Dublin landmark.

Urban Transformation: Over centuries, College Green evolved from a simple green space bordering the city to a grand plaza lined with imposing buildings. Its location adjacent to Trinity and the former Parliament building cemented its importance.

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Why “Green”?

Even though today College Green is primarily a paved plaza, the “Green” in the name has a few potential explanations:

Historical Landscape: It likely reflects its origins as a true grassy green space used for grazing and located just outside the city walls.
Symbolic Association: Green is often associated with Ireland itself (“The Emerald Isle”). So, College Green may hold a symbolic meaning as a prominent public space connected to Trinity, itself an iconic Irish institution. [I very much doubt this claim as the official colour of Ireland in heraldic terms is azure blue]

College Green Through Time

Royal Visits: In the past, College Green served as a setting for receiving important figures, such as newly appointed Viceroys of Ireland, with grand ceremonial welcomes.

Focus of Protest: As a central urban space, it has served as a rallying point for demonstrations and protests of various causes throughout Dublin’s history.

City Heartbeat: College Green is now a key public space at the core of Dublin life. While not truly green anymore, it retains its name and remains a vital spot where visitors and residents alike experience the pulse of the city.

Dublin City Council’s Plan To Transform The Area

The Proposed Changes

Dublin City Council aims to enhance public space and reduce traffic congestion in central Dublin through significant modifications to College Green. The core elements of the plan are:

Partial Pedestrianisation: A section of College Green directly in front of Trinity College’s entrance is intended to become a traffic-free, pedestrian-only plaza. This aims to create a safer and more welcoming public space for people to enjoy.

Bus Gate: The remaining part of College Green is to be transformed into a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week bus gate. This will limit the types of vehicles permitted to pass through the area.

Traffic Restriction Mechanism: A bus gate is a section of road where access is restricted to specific vehicles. Its primary purpose is to prioritise public transport, while simultaneously discouraging general car traffic.

Enforcement: Bus gates are often enforced with cameras that automatically recognise license plates. Unauthorised vehicles passing through the zone can be fined.

Typical Permitted Vehicles: Usually, bus gates allow for:
Buses (scheduled public transport)
Taxis
Emergency service vehicles
Bicycles

The Council’s Rationale

Dublin City Council argues that these changes to College Green are vital for:

Reduced Congestion: Limiting private car traffic in the city center will decrease congestion and bottlenecks, improving the flow of buses and public transport.
Pedestrian Priority: Creating a pedestrian-only zone directly in front of Trinity College will provide a safer and more pleasant environment for the large volumes of foot traffic in this area.

Environmental Goals: Reducing car usage aligns with the Council’s aims of improving air quality and supporting climate action targets.

Enhanced Public Realm: An expanded and less-car-centric College Green is envisioned to be a more attractive and inviting public space for residents and visitors.
Opposition and Concerns

The plan has its critics, with concerns centered around:

Displaced Traffic: Restricting private vehicle traffic on College Green may simply shift congestion to adjacent streets, potentially making the problem worse in other areas.
Commercial Impact: Businesses worry that reduced car access will deter customers, harming shops and restaurants in the area.
Limited Accessibility: Concerns exist about access for those with disabilities or limited mobility who rely on private vehicles.

Current Status

The College Green transformation plan still faces further discussions and a final decision by Dublin City Councilors. Public feedback and the potential of further revisions will all play a role in the final outcome.

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