Infomatique

FAIRVIEW IS STILL CHAOTIC BECAUSE OF ROADWORKS

October 16, 2024 by infomatique

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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I VISIT GRIFFITH AVENUE SECTION BY SECTION EVERY AUTUMN

October 14, 2024 by infomatique

14 OCTOBER 2024

The N2 bus service provides a convenient link between Heuston Station and Griffith Avenue, making it a great option for those who want to avoid the hassle of driving and parking, or navigating multiple bus changes. Another useful feature is that it stops at the Broombridge LUAS tram terminus and train station where one can get a train to Sligo and the twice an hour service to Maynooth.

Griffith Avenue stands out for being the longest purely residential tree-lined avenue in Europe. Stretching over 2 kilometres, it runs from Malahide Road to Mobhi Road, gracefully weaving through the neighbourhoods of Marino and Drumcondra in Dublin.

Originally envisioned as a grand entrance to a luxury housing estate in the early 20th century, Griffith Avenue quickly became a sought-after address. The avenue’s distinctive character is defined by its mature trees, primarily lime and elm, which form a verdant canopy overhead. These trees, planted in the 1920s, create a tunnel-like effect, offering shade in summer and a blaze of colour in autumn. It’s this autumnal spectacle that draws me back year after year, camera in hand, to capture the falling leaves and the avenue bathed in golden light.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Griffith Avenue played a significant role in Dublin’s history. During the Irish Civil War, it served as a base for anti-Treaty forces. The avenue’s wide expanse and strategic location made it ideal for military manoeuvres. Today, remnants of this turbulent period can be found in the form of bullet holes that still scar some of the older buildings.

Despite its historical significance, Griffith Avenue retains a tranquil atmosphere. The wide pavements and relatively low traffic volume make it a haven for pedestrians and cyclists. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike can enjoy a leisurely stroll, appreciating the beauty of the surroundings and the changing seasons.

The N2 bus service is a relatively new addition to Dublin’s public transport network. It operates between Heuston Station and Clontarf Station, running primarily through the north side of the city.

Here are some of major stops along the route:

Here’s the corrected list of major stops, including Broombridge:

Heuston Station: The starting point of the journey, this station is a major transportation hub for intercity and commuter rail services, as well as the Luas and numerous bus routes.
Phibsborough: This stop serves the Phibsborough area, a vibrant district with a mix of shops, restaurants, and residential areas.
Ballyboggan Road: This stop provides access to the residential areas of Glasnevin and Finglas.
Broombridge: This stop provides access to the Broombridge LUAS Green Line terminus, allowing passengers to connect to various destinations along the Green Line. It also serves as a train station with regular commuter services to Maynooth and intercity services to Sligo, further enhancing its connectivity within the wider Dublin region.
Griffith Avenue: This stop provides access to Griffith Avenue, a long, tree-lined avenue known for its residential character.
Marino: This stop serves the Marino area, a charming village-like neighbourhood.
Clontarf Road Station: The final stop on the N2 route, this station offers connections to the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) service.

EXPLORING ASHTOWN VILLAGE IN DUBLIN 7 AND DUBLIN 15

October 13, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED 11 OCTOBER 2024

Ashtown is a suburb of Dublin, located in the civil parish of Castleknock. While it falls primarily within the Dublin 15 postal district, some addresses use Dublin 7. Here’s a look at its history and recent developments:

Historical Background

Early origins: Ashtown’s history can be traced back to at least the 12th century, with evidence suggesting possible Viking settlement in the area even earlier. Its name, Baile an Ásaigh in Irish, translates to “town of the ash tree”, likely referencing the trees that once flourished in the region.

Ashtown Castle: One of the area’s most significant historical features is Ashtown Castle, a medieval tower house dating back to the 15th century. Originally part of a larger fortified manor, the castle was once owned by the Ashtown family, who held considerable influence in the area. Though it fell into ruin, it was restored in the 1990s and is now a protected structure within the Phoenix Park.

Royal Canal: The Royal Canal, constructed in the late 18th century, played a pivotal role in Ashtown’s development. It facilitated trade and transport, connecting the area to Dublin city and beyond.
Recent Developments

Residential growth: Ashtown has experienced significant residential growth in recent years, with the construction of new housing estates and apartment complexes. This has led to a considerable increase in population density.

Improved infrastructure: Transport links have been enhanced, with the Ashtown railway station providing convenient access to Dublin city centre. Road infrastructure has also been improved, with upgrades to the Navan Road.

Amenities and facilities: A range of amenities and facilities have emerged to cater to the growing population, including shops, restaurants, and recreational areas. The proximity of the Phoenix Park provides substantial green space for residents.

Community development: There’s a strong community spirit in Ashtown, with active resident associations and local groups contributing to the area’s development.

THE LOCK KEEPER AT ASHTOWN 11 OCTOBER 2024

October 13, 2024 by infomatique

IS IT GENUINE PUBLIC ART OR SOMETHING ELSE

The Lock Keeper statue near the 10th Lock on the Royal Canal in Ashtown always piqued my curiosity. Is this life-sized figure, seemingly frozen in time as he carries out his duties, a piece of public art commemorating the canal’s heritage, or something else entirely?

The timing of its installation, coinciding with the opening of the Lock Keeper Pub just steps away, raises an intriguing question. Could this statue be a clever marketing ploy, a promotional device designed to draw attention to the new establishment and create a thematic link to the canal’s history?

The absence of a plaque, any record of a public unveiling ceremony, and the lack of readily available information about the artist or commission all point towards this possibility. It’s conceivable that the pub, or its landlord, commissioned the statue as a way to enhance the area and attract customers, rather than as a purely artistic endeavour.

If this is the case, it presents a fascinating example of how private businesses can utilise art to shape public spaces and even influence our perception of history. The statue, whether intended as public art or a promotional tool, undeniably adds to the character of the canal towpath and serves as a reminder of Ashtown’s rich past, interwoven with its present-day development.

The Lock Keeper can be found at Lock 10, a double lock constructed in 1792 with quality stonework and attractive sloping edges. One of 46 along the 145km Royal Canal, which runs from the River Liffey to the River Shannon, Lock 10 stands as a testament to the skill of its builders. Originally built for freight and passenger transportation, the canal saw its last working barges cease operation in 1951 and was officially closed to traffic in 1960. The pub sits adjacent to the former Lock Keeper’s House, a post rendered obsolete by the canal’s closure.

Now beautifully maintained by Waterways Ireland, the lock, the sculpture, and the pub are easily accessible from Dublin City Centre. Arrive by canoe, enjoy a leisurely walk or cycle along the towpath, or take a scenic short train journey from Connolly Station to Ashtown.

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TOLKA HOUSE PUB

October 9, 2024 by infomatique

GLASNEVIN HILL IN DUBLIN

The Tolka House, a well-known pub in Glasnevin, Dublin, has a rich history dating back to 1756. Originally a hostelry, it first obtained its licence in 1848 under the ownership of Thomas White. This coincided with the end of the Great Famine, a time of significant hardship in Ireland.

Interestingly, the pub wasn’t always known as the Tolka House. It was previously called The Bulls Head, and it wasn’t until 1883, under the new ownership of H. Briscoe, that the name Tolka House first appeared.

The pub’s location near the National Botanic Gardens, which came under state patronage in 1878, proved beneficial for business. The arrival of the electric tram service from Nelson’s Pillar in the early 1900s, under the ownership of the Ryan brothers, further boosted its popularity.

Today, the Tolka House retains its traditional charm with its cosy corners and raised levels. It offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a drink and soak up the pub’s historical ambience.

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