Infomatique

THE TU DUBLIN CAMPUS

July 16, 2024 by infomatique

GRANGEGORMAN 16 JULY 2024 AND I USED A SONY HX90V CAMERA

The TU Dublin campus in Grangegorman is undergoing a significant expansion plan, representing the largest investment in Irish higher education in over a century. The goal is to consolidate all of TU Dublin’s Dublin City activities onto a single, purpose-built, state-of-the-art campus.

Current Progress:

East Quad and Central Quad: Two major campus buildings, the East Quad and Central Quad, have recently been opened. They house over 10,000 students and 1,200 staff across various disciplines in the Arts, Humanities, and STEM subjects. The East Quad notably features a 340-seat Concert Hall, an 80-seat Black Box Theatre, an 80-seat Recital Hall, and exhibition spaces, contributing to Dublin’s cultural scene.
Plans for the Next Few Years:

Academic Hub & Library: The next major phase involves the completion of the Academic Hub & Library in 2024. This 12,600m2 building will provide a central library and learning spaces, along with student and staff support services like the Career Development Centre, Assistive Technologies, Maths Learning Centre, and Academic Writing Centre.
Further Development: While specific details are not yet public, the Grangegorman Development Agency, responsible for the campus development, has indicated that further construction phases are planned. These will likely include additional academic buildings, student accommodation, and amenities to support the growing campus community.

Overall Vision:

The vision for the TU Dublin Grangegorman campus is to create a vibrant, sustainable, and integrated environment that fosters learning, research, innovation, and community engagement. The campus is designed to be a model of urban regeneration, transforming a formerly underutilised area into a thriving hub of activity.

Challenges and Considerations:

While the expansion plan is ambitious and exciting, it also presents challenges. These include managing the construction process with minimal disruption to the existing campus activities, ensuring the new buildings are sustainable and energy-efficient, and integrating the campus into the surrounding community.

Overall, the TU Dublin campus in Grangegorman is a dynamic and evolving project. The expansion plan represents a significant investment in the future of higher education in Ireland and is set to transform the landscape of Grangegorman for years to come.

VIEWS OF ST LAURENCE O’TOOLE CHURCH

July 16, 2024 by infomatique

SEVILLE PLACE 14 JULY 2024

St. Laurence O’Toole Church, located on Seville Place in the Sheriff Street area of Dublin’s north inner city, holds a significant place in the local community’s history and faith. Built between 1850 and 1854, the church was designed by renowned architect Patrick Byrne, known for his work on numerous religious buildings in Ireland. The construction was carried out by Messrs. Meade and Doolin, builders of considerable repute at the time.

The church’s namesake, St. Laurence O’Toole, was a 12th-century Archbishop of Dublin and is the city’s patron saint. His legacy of piety and devotion to the poor resonates with the community served by the church. The parish itself has a long history, established in 1837 to cater to the growing population of the area, which was experiencing rapid development due to the expansion of the port and surrounding industries.

The church building is a notable example of early Gothic Revival architecture, featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and stained glass windows. Its imposing presence on Seville Place makes it a recognisable landmark in the area. Inside, the church boasts a beautiful interior adorned with intricate details and religious iconography.

St. Laurence O’Toole Church remains popular among locals, serving as a place of worship, community gathering, and a source of support for those in need. The parish offers a range of outreach services, including:

Food bank: Providing essential food supplies to individuals and families facing food insecurity.
Soup kitchen: Offering hot meals to those experiencing homelessness or struggling financially.
Counselling and support services: Providing emotional and practical support to those facing various challenges, including addiction, bereavement, and family difficulties.
Community events and activities: Organising social gatherings, educational programs, and cultural events to foster a sense of community and belonging.
The attached school buildings, which have a long history of serving the local community, have undergone redevelopment in recent years. The project aimed to modernise the facilities while preserving the historical character of the buildings. The refurbished school now provides a state-of-the-art learning environment for students, contributing to the overall revitalisation of the Sheriff Street area.

St. Laurence O’Toole Church and its associated school continue to play an essential role in the lives of the local community. The church’s commitment to outreach and support, combined with the school’s educational mission, make them valuable institutions that contribute to the well-being and development of the area.

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.

SEAN O’CASEY WAS BORN AT No 18 ABERCORN ROAD

July 16, 2024 by infomatique

ABERCORN ROAD AND EAST CHURCH STREET

A Shifting Landscape in Dublin’s Docklands

As I walked along Upper Sheriff Street, a sign caught my attention: “Abercorn Road: No Through Road to East Road From 19/11/2023”. This restriction could be a response to local protests against excessive construction traffic, a common concern in the rapidly developing Docklands area.

The corner of Abercorn Road and East Church Street presents a striking contrast between the past and present. A void now occupies the site where the Card Company building once stood. This multi-story structure, a landmark on East Church Street, was partially demolished following planning approval for a new mixed-use development. However, progress has stalled, leaving the site in limbo.

Meanwhile, just a stone’s throw away, the recently completed Stockyard office development towers over the traditional two-story houses and cottages that characterise Abercorn Road. This six-story contemporary building, with its basement car park, is a symbol of the ongoing transformation of the Docklands.

Abercorn Road: A Literary Legacy

Beyond its changing landscape, Abercorn Road holds a unique place in Irish literary history as the birthplace of renowned playwright Sean O’Casey. Born at number 18 in 1880, O’Casey’s childhood experiences in this working-class neighbourhood profoundly shaped his artistic vision. His plays, often set in similar environments, vividly depict the lives and struggles of Dublin’s working class, offering a window into the social and political realities of the early 20th century.

Community Concerns Amidst Redevelopment

The rapid pace of development in the Docklands has not been without controversy. Local residents and community groups have voiced concerns about the loss of community identity, the lack of affordable housing, the threat of gentrification, and the prioritization of commercial interests over community needs.

These concerns have fuelled protests and calls for greater community involvement in planning decisions, more affordable housing provisions, and the preservation of existing communities. While local politicians have acknowledged these issues, the challenge remains to balance the need for economic growth with the preservation of the area’s unique character and social fabric.

East Church Street: A Development in Limbo

The stalled redevelopment project on East Church Street adds another layer to the complex narrative of change in this area. Planning permission was granted in 2023 for the demolition of the remaining portion of the Card Company building and the construction of 28 apartments in a five to six-story building. However, the reasons for the delay remain unclear, leaving the future of the site uncertain.