Infomatique

DRAGON CLASS IS A MURAL BY DECOY -240990-1

September 22, 2024 by infomatique

AN ABSTRACT MURAL IN DUN LAOGHAIRE

Decoy, a talented muralist and street artist based in Dún Laoghaire, has made a significant mark on Dublin’s urban landscape. He has collaborated extensively with the renowned Dublin collective Subset, contributing to their transformative Grey Area Project, which breathed new life into the city’s grey walls.

During Dún Laoghaire Anseo 2021, Decoy unveiled his captivating piece, “Dragon Class.” This abstract artwork pays homage to Dún Laoghaire’s rich maritime heritage, capturing the essence of its sea-faring fleet.

In 2022, Decoy created a poignant memorial dedicated to the victims of the RMS Leinster disaster of 1918. The artwork’s focal point is Robert Anthony, a Lamp Trimmer on the ill-fated ship who tragically lost his life. Robert hailed from Holyhead, a town with deep historical ties to Dún Laoghaire.

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THE MERCANTILE HOTEL ON DAME STREET

September 22, 2024 by infomatique

HAS BEEN EXTENDED BUT IT IS STILL A WIP

The Mercantile Hotel on Dame Street, while currently undergoing a significant redevelopment and refurbishment, is owned and will be operated by the Mercantile Group. This project involves the amalgamation of the existing Mercantile Hotel with the adjacent Dame House, expanding its capacity and offerings.

Prior to this redevelopment, the site consisted of the original Mercantile Hotel and the Dame House, which was an office building. The project aims to create a larger, more modern hotel with additional rooms, dining, and bar facilities.

The proliferation of hotel construction in Dublin’s city centre, particularly in areas like Dublin 1, 2, and 7, can be attributed to several factors:

Tourism boom: Dublin has experienced a significant increase in tourist arrivals in recent years. This has created a high demand for accommodation, driving hotel development.
Economic growth: Ireland’s strong economic performance has led to an increase in business travel, further fuelling the need for hotel rooms.
Limited supply: The existing hotel stock in the city centre was struggling to meet the growing demand, creating opportunities for new developments.
Attractive investment: The hotel sector is viewed as a lucrative investment opportunity, attracting both domestic and international investors.

Rick’s Burgers was indeed a late-night spot located at the corner of Dame Street and George’s Street. While it wasn’t technically part of Dame House, it occupied a space within the same building complex. The redevelopment plans for the Mercantile Hotel involved incorporating the Dame House building, which unfortunately meant the closure of Rick’s Burgers in late 2020.

IS THIS A NEW COFFEE SHOP AT THE GRANGEGORMAN GATE

September 11, 2024 by infomatique

BROADSTONE PLAZA AND LUAS TRAM STOP

When I arrived at the LUAS tram Stop at Broadstone I noticed a crew of people installing what appeared to be a coffee kiosk or diner.

Broadstone is one of three neighbourhood’s that together form the modern-day Phibsboro area in Dublin, Ireland. Situated furthest south among these, it starts just two kilometers north of the Father Mathew Bridge at Ormond Quay. The area is triangular in shape, bordered by Phibsborough Road and Constitution Hill on the west, North Circular Road on the north, and Dorset Street and Bolton Street on the southeast. Its postal code is Dublin 7.

The Grangegorman Gate, built as part of the Luas Cross City project, serves as a vital entrance to the Grangegorman University campus. This completed public plaza now significantly connects Grangegorman to the heart of Dublin. It’s located off Constitution Hill where the old Royal Canal once was, at the site of the former Great Western Railway Station (commonly called Broadstone), and is now a major gateway to the Grangegorman urban quarter.

The Broadstone area, bordering Grangegorman on its east, underwent a Part VIII planning process in 2014 to enable site development and gate access.

The Grangegorman Masterplan envisions the main urban path through Grangegorman, St Brendan’s Way, connecting with the Broadstone Gate, ultimately reaching Prussia Street. This Broadstone link can also be viewed as an extension of Dublin’s historic 18th-century core, which stretched from Dublin Castle across Grattan Bridge, along Capel Street/Bolton Street, to Henrietta Street and King’s Inn.

THE CLOCK TOWER BUILDING LOWER GRANGEGORMAN

September 11, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED 11 SEPTEMBER 2024

The Clock Tower Building, Grangegorman: A Storied Past, A Promising Future

History

Construction and Original Purpose: The Clock Tower building, designed by the renowned architect Francis Johnston, was completed in 1816. It was initially intended to serve as the Richmond Penitentiary, reflecting the then-prevalent architectural style of penitentiaries in Britain and Ireland.

Evolving Roles: Despite its initial purpose, the building’s function shifted multiple times throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

1818: Briefly repurposed as a Fever Hospital.
1820-1831: Operated as a prison, housing both male and female inmates.
1832-1834: Converted into a Cholera Hospital during an outbreak.
1836-1874: Became the first exclusively female penitentiary in the UK and Ireland, also serving as a transportation depot for women and girls awaiting transportation to Tasmania.
Post-1874: Due to overcrowding in other prisons, the north wing once again housed male prisoners.
Late 20th Century: The building was largely abandoned and fell into disrepair.
Recent Developments

Stabilisation and Refurbishment:
2013: A conservation and condition report was published, outlining necessary works.
2014: Initial stabilisation and partial refurbishment works began to safeguard the building’s historic fabric.
2016: Additional works, including re-pointing lime mortar and installing ramps, were carried out to improve accessibility.
2022: Further refurbishment works reached substantial completion in October, ensuring the building’s structural integrity and preserving its historical features.
Current Status (2024)

Offices and Administration: The Clock Tower Building currently serves as office space for the Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and the Grangegorman Development Agency (GDA).
Iconic Landmark: The building remains a prominent feature of the Grangegorman campus, its distinctive clock tower serving as a visual reminder of its historical significance.
Future Plans

Academic Space: The Grangegorman Masterplan designates the Clock Tower Building for future use as academic space for the College of Engineering & Built Environment of TU Dublin.
Continued Preservation: While specific plans for its adaptation into academic space are yet to be finalised, the building’s protected status ensures its continued preservation and careful integration into the evolving Grangegorman campus.

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THE MILLENNIUM BRIDGE IN CARLOW

September 10, 2024 by infomatique

A MODERN LINK ACROSS THE BARROW

The Millennium Bridge in Carlow, opened in 2002, is a striking pedestrian bridge that gracefully spans the River Barrow, connecting the historic town centre with the vibrant district of Graiguecullen. This elegant structure serves as a vital artery, facilitating easy access for pedestrians and cyclists between these two bustling areas.

The River Barrow, one of Ireland’s “Three Sisters” rivers, meanders through Carlow, adding to its scenic beauty. The Millennium Bridge, with its sleek design, complements the natural landscape while providing a practical solution for crossing the river.

While the bridge’s name suggests a connection to the year 2000, its opening was delayed due to various factors, including construction and planning considerations. Despite the slight delay, it remains a symbol of progress and a testament to Carlow’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and connectivity.

The Millennium Bridge offers more than just a convenient crossing. It also provides stunning panoramic views of the river and its surroundings. From the bridge, one can admire the Carlow Rowing Club on one side and the verdant expanse of Carlow Town Park on the other. Whether you’re a local commuter or a visitor exploring the town, the Millennium Bridge is a must-see landmark that seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetic appeal.