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THE CURRENT STATE OF DORSET STREET FLATS AND ST MARY’S PLACE FLATS

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ALMOST TOTALLY DEMOLISHED 15 NOVEMBER 2024

I last addressed this subject in March 2024 but today I was surprised that all blocks have been demolished (more or less) because I had believed that the block on Upper Dominick Street was to be renovated rather than replaced.

Dorset Street Flats Redevelopment: A New Chapter Begins

The Dorset Street and St Mary’s Place flats complex in Dublin’s north inner city is undergoing a significant transformation. After years of planning and preparation, the demolition of the existing 1960s-era flats is now complete, making way for a modern and vibrant community.

Project Goals:

This redevelopment project aims to:

Provide 163 new homes: A mix of houses, duplexes, and apartments to meet the diverse housing needs of the community.
Improve the urban environment: Create a safer, more inclusive, and attractive space with high-quality public areas, landscaped streets, and play spaces.
Enhance community well-being: Incorporate community facilities, a crèche, a commercial unit, and a cafe to foster social interaction and support local residents.

Timeline:

Demolition: Completed as of November 2024.
Construction Start: Expected to commence shortly.
Estimated Completion: Q4 2026.
Key Project Features:

Two enclosed courtyards: A modern design approach to promote safety and community interaction.
Mix of housing types and sizes: Caters to a variety of households.
Sustainable design: Incorporates energy-efficient measures to reduce environmental impact.

Challenges and Considerations:

The project has faced challenges, including:

Relocating existing residents: Ensuring that all residents were provided with suitable alternative accommodation before demolition.
Addressing anti-social behaviour: The site experienced anti-social behaviour during the de-tenanting process, highlighting the need for ongoing community support and safety measures.

Meeting sustainability targets: Balancing the need for new housing with EU directives on whole-life carbon emissions in construction.
Looking Ahead:

The Dorset Street Flats redevelopment represents a significant investment in Dublin’s north inner city. By replacing outdated and problematic housing with a modern, well-designed community, this project promises to improve the lives of residents and contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of the area.

FAIRVIEW IS STILL CHAOTIC BECAUSE OF ROADWORKS

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A POSITIVE OUTLOOK AMIDST THE CHAOS

When I visited it appeared that the construction workers had managed to damaged a water main and there was a lot of confusion.

It’s true that Fairview has been a challenging place to navigate recently due to the ongoing roadworks. While the disruption can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that these works are ultimately aimed at significantly improving the area for everyone.

The Clontarf to City Centre project is a major undertaking, and as with any project of this scale, there are bound to be unforeseen challenges. The recent incident with the water main, while unfortunate, is a testament to the complexity of the work being carried out.

The project has taken longer than initially anticipated due to a number of factors, including:

The scale of the project: This is one of the largest urban roadworks projects ever undertaken in Ireland, involving the installation of 2.7km of dedicated cycling and walking facilities, as well as bus priority infrastructure.

Unforeseen issues: As with any construction project, unexpected problems can arise, such as the damaged water main, which can cause delays.
Coordination with other utilities: The project requires close coordination with utility companies to ensure that existing infrastructure is not disrupted.

Despite these challenges, significant progress has been made, and the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. When finished, the improvements will bring a host of benefits to the area, including:

Enhanced safety for cyclists and pedestrians: The new cycleway and widened footpaths will make it safer and easier for people to travel through Fairview without a car.
Improved traffic flow: The bus priority measures will help to improve the reliability and efficiency of public transport in the area.
A more attractive public realm: The project includes landscaping and public realm improvements that will make Fairview a more pleasant place to live, work, and visit.

In the meantime, it’s important to remember that the disruption is temporary and that the long-term benefits will far outweigh the short-term inconvenience.

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

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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.

A QUICK VISIT TO PHOENIX PARK -234256-1

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THE IMMEDIATE AREA PARALLEL TO INFIRMARY ROAD WAS NEW TO ME

Today I entered via the gate at the end of the North Circular Road and I followed the path that runs parallel to Infirmary Road section that I have not visited before.

Infirmary Road has a significant historical and functional relationship with Phoenix Park:

Historical Significance:

Royal Military Infirmary: The road’s name originates from the Royal Military Infirmary, a major hospital that once stood within the park’s boundaries. The hospital served the British military for many years before being repurposed as government offices.

Phoenix Park Access: Infirmary Road has traditionally been one of the main access points to Phoenix Park, especially from the city centre. The North Circular Road Gate, located at the intersection of Infirmary Road and the North Circular Road, is a prominent entrance to the park.

Functional Relationship:

Public Transportation: The Phoenix Park terminus for the 46A bus service is situated on Infirmary Road. This makes the park easily accessible by public transport for visitors and commuters.

Amenities: Infirmary Road houses amenities that cater to park users. The Phoenix Park playground, located just off Infirmary Road within the park, is a popular spot for families. Additionally, there are several hotels and guesthouses along Infirmary Road that serve tourists and visitors to the park.

Public Toilets (Closed): Previously, public toilets were located on Infirmary Road near the playground, serving as a convenient facility for park users. However, due to persistent vandalism and anti-social behaviour, Dublin City Council closed them down over 15 years ago. While there have been discussions about reopening them, no concrete plans exist as of yet.

The Former Public Park:

The area surrounding the playground, while still a park, was once a more formally defined park space with designated entrances and exits. It has now merged more seamlessly with the surrounding parkland.

Alternative Toilet Facilities:

While the Infirmary Road toilets remain closed, there are other toilet facilities available within Phoenix Park:

Visitor Centre
Papal Cross
Polo Grounds

The Office of Public Works (OPW) ensures these facilities are open during daylight hours and are well-maintained.

A BETTER CITY IS AN EXCITING OUTDOOR GALLERY PROJECT

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IN DUBLIN 8 BEGINNING 15th MARCH 2024

A Better City (A.B.C) is an exciting outdoor gallery project in Dublin 8. Here’s what you need to know:

About the Project

What: A vibrant outdoor gallery featuring works by six talented artists, celebrating themes of joy and community.
Where: Thomas Street, Crane Street, and Market Street in Dublin 8, showcasing large-scale murals and printed works.
When: Launching March 15th, 2024, and running for three months.
Why: Part of St. Patrick’s Festival 2024, bringing art, vibrancy, and a sense of community to Dublin 8 in collaboration with the Guinness Storehouse, the Digital Hub, and Dublin City Council.
Curated by: Good Shout Studio, a Dublin 8-based creative agency.

Featured Artists

Claire Prouvost: A French muralist based in Dublin, Claire’s work is known for its bold, joyful characters and dynamic use of color. She often explores themes of community, celebration, and the energy of urban life.

Sophia Vigne Welsh: Sophia creates visually striking abstract works that explore nature, color, and the interplay of light and form. Her pieces evoke a sense of renewal and optimism.

Mark Conlan: This artist playfully reimagines Dublin’s architectural landmarks with a whimsical touch. He often blends natural elements into urban landscapes, creating a sense of wonder and connection with the city.

Ruan van Vliet: Ruan’s distinctive style features playful, cartoon-like characters with a contemporary edge. His works explore the concept of modern-day “cowboys” within the context of Dublin 8, finding unique stories within the urban landscape.

Bebhinn Eilish & Gavin Connell: This creative duo combines Bebhinn’s delicate, ethereal illustrations with Gavin’s bold, graphic style. Their work often explores themes of nature, interconnectedness, and the transformative power of art.

Gavin Connel: Gavin Connell is a 26-year-old illustrator/designer based in Dublin, Ireland. His style is made up of his main inspirations such as vintage comics, 1930’s animation, old school rave posters and contemporary illustration/character design. Graduating from NCAD in June 2018, he went straight into freelancing and working for himself. He worked closely as a junior designer with John Slade of H.Y.T Studio 2017-2018 on jobs for large brands such as Nike and Vans where he learned a lot of technical skills.

How to Experience A Better City

The gallery is designed to be enjoyed by simply walking along the designated streets. Follow the trail and discover the artworks.

Additional Information

You can find more information on the Dublin City Council Website: https://www.dublincity.ie/news/better-city-abc-2024

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