THE 2024 PHOTO BLOG

DUBLIN AIRPORT HAS FIVE TIMES MORE LANDINGS AND TAKE-OFFS AT NIGHT THAN HEATHROW

March 7, 2024 by infomatique

CAN THIS CLAIM BE TRUE

Yes, this claim can be largely true, but here’s why it needs some context:

Numbers Can Be Misleading: The raw number of nighttime flights between Dublin and Heathrow can appear stark. However, the size and scale of the airports are massively different. Heathrow is one of the world’s busiest airports, making a direct flight count comparison somewhat unfair.

Noise Restrictions: Heathrow has stricter noise restrictions for night flights due to its location in a densely populated area. Dublin Airport faces less stringent noise controls.

Planning Permission: The number of permitted nighttime flights might favour Dublin Airport. This means that Dublin has a higher legal limit compared to Heathrow.

Flight Types: The types of aircraft flying at night matter. Larger, noisier planes are more likely to be restricted at Heathrow.

Important Considerations:

Relative Impact: While Dublin may have more nighttime flights, the impact of those flights on surrounding communities could be significantly less than the impact fewer flights at Heathrow have due to the airports’ locations and aircraft types.

Current Situation: It’s essential to check the source date of the information. Regulations and situations at airports can change over time.

Where to Find Reliable Information:

Dublin Airport Authority: Check their website for information on flight schedules, noise regulations, and any statements regarding night-time operations (https://www.dublinairport.com/)
Heathrow Airport: Visit their website to find noise-related information and their commitment to managing nighttime flights (https://www.heathrow.com/)
News Articles: Search for recent news reports that might offer a more updated and nuanced picture of the nighttime flight situation at both airports.

WHAT IMPACT WILL THE NIKON-RED ACQUISITION HAVE ON SONY

March 7, 2024 by infomatique

THIS COULD CHANGE THE INDUSTRY

The Nikon-RED acquisition has potential to significantly impact Sony’s position in the professional cinema camera market. Here’s why:

Increased competition: Sony has enjoyed a strong position in the cinema camera market with its successful VENICE line of cameras. Nikon, now armed with RED’s technology and expertise, becomes a serious competitor. For Sony, this means more pressure to innovate and remain ahead in terms of features and performance.

Potential loss of market share: Filmmakers and production houses always look for the best tools for their projects. If Nikon and RED produce compelling new cinema cameras, they could attract cinematographers who might have previously chosen Sony.

Pricing wars: Increased competition can potentially lead to price adjustments. If Nikon and RED offer competitive pricing for its new camera line, Sony might have to adjust to stay relevant.

Stimulated innovation: Competition is good for the industry. Sony might accelerate its research and development efforts to counter the new Nikon-RED powerhouse, ultimately benefiting filmmakers with new and improved technology across the board.

How significant the impact will be depends on several factors:

The quality and capabilities of Nikon/RED cameras: If they outperform Sony, there could be a marked shift in market dynamics.
Market reception: How filmmakers, studios, and rental houses respond to the new products will be crucial.
Sony’s response: How quickly and effectively Sony can counter the competition with innovations of its own.

Overall: It’s too early to predict the exact scale, but Nikon’s acquisition of RED is likely to shake up the professional cinema camera landscape. Sony will have to adapt and keep pushing boundaries to maintain its dominance.

NEWS: NIKON BUYS RED

March 7, 2024 by infomatique

THE JAPANESE COMPANY ANNOUNCED THEY ARE ACQUIRING RED DIGITAL CINEMA

Just yesterday, on March 6th, 2024, Nikon announced they are acquiring RED Digital Cinema. This is a big deal in the world of cinematography, with Nikon entering the professional filmmaking camera market for the first time.

Here’s a breakdown of the situation:

Nikon gains expertise in high-end cameras: RED is a major player, known for its innovative digital cinema cameras used in Hollywood productions like “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “The Queen’s Gambit” . Nikon brings its experience in image processing, optics, and user interface design.

The goal is to create even better cinema cameras: Both companies aim to leverage each other’s strengths to develop new and improved professional cinematography tools .
This is a strategic move for Nikon: It allows them to expand into a new market segment and potentially compete with established players like Sony.

It’s still early days, but the industry is buzzing with anticipation about what the future holds for this collaboration. We might see new, innovative cinema cameras emerge from this powerhouse partnership.

CONNECTING CAPEL STREET TO EAST ARRAN STREET

March 5, 2024 by infomatique

LITTLE STRAND STREET

Little Strand Street, a little known lane in Dublin, bears witness to a tale of ambition and stalled development. It connects the bustling Capel Street to East Arran Street, but the promise of transformation embodied in two vacant sites lingers unrealised. Here, potential hotels stand as phantoms, their absence casting a long shadow over the street’s history and future.

The larger of the voids was once the location of the Ormond Hotel, a grand establishment that played host to literary luminaries like James Joyce. Time and economic forces took their toll, and the hotel was demolished, leaving only a derelict site where a gleaming new structure should now stand. The reasons for the stalled development are complex. Some cite financial difficulties, while others highlight planning hurdles and disagreements over the project’s scale. This delay leaves a gaping wound in the streetscape, echoing an uncertain future.

On the corner of Capel Street and Little Strand Street, another vacant lot tells a similar story. Once intended for a hotel, this promise has withered, the causes equally shrouded in speculation. Whether the blame lies with economic downturns or unforeseen complications, the vacant plot serves as a stark reminder of ambitions yet to be fulfilled.

The name “Little Strand Street” itself hints at a bygone era. It references the nearby River Liffey, where this lane likely reached the shoreline centuries ago before land reclamation pushed the waters further back. This historical connection lends a bittersweet charm to the street, where the past echoes in the very ground beneath one’s feet.

Yet, the future of Little Strand Street need not be defined by these stalled projects. There’s a palpable sense of potential within its narrow confines. The architectural character, from old Georgian facades to more contemporary additions, hints at a dynamic streetscape waiting to be fully realised. Perhaps a revised vision for the hotel sites, one that better integrates with the existing fabric of the area, could finally break the deadlock.

Little Strand Street may be small, but its current state speaks volumes about the complexities of urban development. While the reasons for the delayed projects remain somewhat opaque, the street itself stands as a microcosm of Dublin, where echoes of the past mingle with unfulfilled aspirations, leaving ample room for a revitalised future to emerge.

MEATH STREET AND LANE AS IT IS IN MARCH 2024

March 5, 2024 by infomatique

DCC ARE IS SET TO EMBARK ON A MAJOR REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BLUE ANCHOR RESTAURANT

I made a bit of a mistake today as my intention was to visit Francis Street but as I got off the bus at the wrong stop I ended up visiting Meath street but that was not important as I later visited Francis Street.

Dublin City Council (DCC) is set to embark on a significant redevelopment project on Meath Street, aiming to revitalise this historic thoroughfare in the heart of The Liberties. This latest endeavour follows the successful transformation of nearby Francis Street and aligns with DCC’s broader vision of enhancing the area’s vibrancy while addressing the challenges of through-traffic in the city centre.

Inspired by the positive outcomes of the Francis Street project, the Meath Street redevelopment envisions wider footpaths, the introduction of trees and public seating, and a focus on creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment. Measures to reduce the volume of through-traffic, such as restricting the carriageway to a single lane, will also be implemented. The overall aim is to foster a more inviting atmosphere for both residents and businesses, promoting a thriving street culture with opportunities for outdoor dining and markets.

While Francis Street and Meath Street share similarities as historical market streets within The Liberties, there are some notable distinctions. Francis Street boasts a greater concentration of antique and vintage shops, giving it a unique character. Meath Street, on the other hand, is known for its diverse range of food markets and independent shops, reflecting the area’s rich cultural mix. These distinct identities will undoubtedly inform the specific elements of their respective redevelopment plans.

The Francis Street project has been largely well-received, with businesses reporting increased footfall and a more pleasant environment. However, some concerns have been raised about the impact of reduced traffic accessibility on deliveries and residents. As DCC moves forward with the Meath Street redevelopment, it will be essential to carefully consider feedback from the Francis Street experience and engage in ongoing dialogue with local stakeholders.

This latest project marks another step in the DCC’s ambitious plans to rejuvenate The Liberties while respecting its deep historical roots. The transformation of Meath Street promises to enhance the area’s appeal as a lively cultural and commercial destination, contributing to the overall revitalisation of this cherished Dublin neighbourhood.

As a matter of interest Meath Lane, which I also explored, connects Meath Street to Pimlico. I hope to explore the immediate area at a later date.

Here’s a breakdown of Pimlico in Dublin, including its history, location, and character:

History

17th Century Origins: Pimlico’s name dates back to the 1600s, likely borrowed from the Pimlico area in London. It hints at a desire to imitate London’s urban development at the time.

Weaving Community: Pimlico was historically a hub for Huguenot (French Protestant) and Jewish weavers who fled persecution. They brought valuable textile skills to Ireland.

Part of The Liberties: Pimlico falls within The Liberties, a historic area of Dublin known for its independent spirit, working-class roots, and once-booming textile industry.
Location

Dublin 8: Pimlico lies within the Dublin 8 postcode, southwest of the city center.
Boundaries: It’s nestled between Thomas Court to the north, Ardee Street to the south, and stretches roughly between Marrowbone Lane and Cork Street.

Iconic Neighbour: Pimlico is famously close to the Guinness Brewery at St. James’s Gate.
Character

Mix of Old and New: Like other parts of The Liberties, Pimlico has a mix of traditional terraced houses and newer social housing developments.

Small Community: Pimlico is a small area with a tight-knit community feel.

Local Shops and Businesses: While less focused on antiques like nearby Francis Street, Pimlico still hosts local shops, pubs, and businesses.

Redevelopment Potential: There’s ongoing interest in revitalising Pimlico while preserving its unique history and charm.

Things to Note:

“Pimlico” in Literature: The area is mentioned in some classic Irish literature, including James Joyce’s works, portraying its working-class character.

Ongoing Changes: Like other parts of Dublin, Pimlico is subject to change and development as the city continues evolving.

If you’d like to learn more, here are some resources:

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pimlico,_Dublin
Dublin City Council Archives: Can be a source of historical photos and records on Pimlico.
Local History Groups: There may be local history groups focusing on The Liberties and Pimlico, offering a wealth of knowledge.