Public Space Archives - THE 2024 PHOTO BLOG

I WAS MORE THAN A BIT DISAPPOINTED

Dublin is a city steeped in history, with hidden architectural gems tucked away in the most unexpected corners. So, when I heard about the Casino at Marino, a stunning neo-classical masterpiece just a stone’s throw from the city centre, I was eager to explore but for a variety of reasons I did not get a proper opportunity to visit until today (I did visit a few years ago but it was closed to the public because of Covid-19).

Imagine my disappointment when I arrived to find that access to the Casino was restricted to paid guided tours only, and with over an hour to wait, I decided to explore the grounds. Sadly, they weren’t quite the idyllic escape I had envisioned. While the building itself is undeniably beautiful, the surrounding area felt somewhat neglected.

My wanderings did, however, provide a moment of unexpected drama. I witnessed a Sparrow Hawk swoop down and seize a pigeon in its talons – a thrilling, if slightly brutal, display of nature’s raw power.

Venturing further, I stumbled upon a rather bleak public space adjacent to St Vincent’s GAA Grounds. Evidence of anti-social behaviour was clear, and the sole park bench offered a forlorn and uninspiring view. It was a stark contrast to the elegance of the Casino, and a reminder that even in the midst of historical beauty, the realities of urban life can intrude.

This experience left me pondering the potential of the Casino at Marino. With a little investment and community care, the grounds could be transformed into a truly captivating space. Imagine strolling along well-maintained pathways, surrounded by vibrant gardens, and learning about the history of the estate through informative signage.

Perhaps one day, the grounds will live up to the grandeur of the Casino itself, offering visitors a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

I decided to check if my account was unusual and discovered that I am not alone in my disappointment regarding the grounds of the Casino at Marino. A quick search online reveals that others have shared similar sentiments.

Here’s what some people have said:

Limited access: Many visitors express frustration with the restricted access to the Casino itself, echoing my experience of only being able to enter via a paid guided tour. This limits spontaneity and can be a barrier for those with time constraints or who prefer to explore at their own pace.

Lack of information: Some feel that the grounds lack adequate signage and information about the history of the Casino and its surroundings. This can leave visitors feeling disconnected from the site’s rich heritage.

Unkempt surroundings: Several people comment on the lack of upkeep in certain areas, mentioning overgrown vegetation or a general sense of neglect. This detracts from the overall experience and the appreciation of the Casino’s architectural beauty.

However, it’s worth noting that despite these criticisms, the Casino at Marino is still highly regarded for its architectural significance and is a popular tourist destination. Many appreciate the guided tours, which offer valuable insights into the building’s history and design.

It seems there’s a shared desire for the grounds to be better maintained and more accessible, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the Casino and its historical context. Perhaps with increased awareness and community involvement, these concerns can be addressed, creating a more fulfilling experience for everyone.

MORE OR LESS COMPLETE – 12 MARCH 2024

THE UPPER LIFFEY STREET PLAZA [MORE OR LESS COMPLETE – 12 MARCH 2024]

History of Upper Liffey Street

Medieval Origins: Liffey Street traces its roots back to Dublin’s medieval period. It formed a significant route connecting the city centre to the River Liffey’s quays, a bustling hub of trade and commerce.

Commercial Importance: Over centuries, Liffey Street evolved into a major commercial thoroughfare. It was lined with shops, warehouses, and businesses catering to the city’s growing population.

Architectural Variety: The architecture along both sections of Liffey Street presents a mix of styles. You can find Georgian buildings, Victorian structures, and more modern additions, reflecting the street’s changing face through the ages.

Upper Liffey Street Redevelopment, which was announced in January 2023 and has now been, more-or-less, been completed.

Project Overview:
Objective: To enhance the pedestrian experience and create a more vibrant urban environment.
Cost: Approximately €6.5 million.
Timeline: Construction began in January 2023 and has recently been completed.

Key Features:
Pedestrian Plaza: A new pedestrian plaza was developed beside the iconic Ha’penny Bridge on Liffey Street. This is a bit misleading as it is Lower Liffey Street that is closet to the bridge. [I suspect that the source of the information did not realise that “lower” means closer to the river and “upper means further from the river]

Upgraded Environment:
Liffey Street Upper [the Plaza] : Closed to traffic, this section now features benches, bicycle stands, and trees.
Liffey Street Lower: Upgraded to create a more “pedestrian-friendly” environment. Currently, Liffey Street Lower is open to southbound traffic from Abbey Street to the quays. According to some reports the final configuration will mean that traffic on Abbey Street, including cars exiting the Arnotts car park, will no longer be able to access the quays via Liffey Street Lower.
Instead, vehicles will need to turn right onto Strand Street and continue to Capel Street to reach the quays at Grattan Bridge. [Getting accurate information that I can verify has been impossible]

Completion Date:

The project was to be completed by the end of the year following its commencement in January 2023. It would appear that is not yet fully complete and this is especially true for lower Liffey street.

Pedestrian access was maintained during the construction period.

Background:

The idea for a Northside plaza emerged after the refusal of the College Green plaza project by An Bord Pleanála in 2018.
Unlike the College Green scheme, the Liffey Street project was progressed through Dublin City Council’s internal planning process.
The plans underwent public consultation and were approved by city councillors in September 2019.
Although initially scheduled for mid-2020 completion, work was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This revitalised space now offers Dubliners and visitors a pleasant area to stroll, rest, and enjoy the cityscape.

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