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Grangegorman Campus: Addressing Concerns Regarding Atmosphere and Anti-Social Behaviour

I enjoy visiting the Grangegorman campus of Technological University (TU) Dublin, but I find it lacks a distinct “university campus atmosphere”. Having attended various universities and technical colleges, my impression is that Grangegorman feels more akin to a 1960s British polytechnic. This feeling of impersonality is difficult to articulate, but I’ll attempt to elaborate. My recent observations have also raised concerns about potential anti-social behaviour in the area, prompting this review. I should mention that I much prefer using the Broadstone LUAS stop over the nearby Dominick Street stop.

Anti-Social Behaviour and Safety Concerns

Reports of anti-social behaviour at the Grangegorman campus and its surrounding areas have emerged. One incident involved a significant Garda presence responding to an altercation. While no injuries were reported, it highlighted safety concerns on and around the campus. The Students’ Union has also expressed concerns about an increase in anti-social behaviour.

The university president has specifically noted an increase in “intimidation and anti-social behaviour” at Broadstone Plaza and the adjacent LUAS stop, leading to a request for increased Garda patrols. This followed an incident of racist abuse directed at students at the Broadstone LUAS stop. While TU Dublin states that no further racist incidents have been reported since February 2023, reports from community forums and social media suggest ongoing concerns about safety at the Broadstone stop, with some describing the area as “sketchy,” particularly after dark.

While I found no specific reports of theft near the Broadstone LUAS stop or under the Bus Depot flyover, TU Dublin has experienced security breaches in the past, including a 2021 ransomware attack on the Tallaght campus. Though no data exfiltration was indicated, this incident does raise questions about cybersecurity measures.

TU Dublin provides general safety advice on its Campus Personal Safety page, encouraging awareness, preventative measures, and incident reporting. However, community forums offer more specific insights into concerns surrounding the Broadstone LUAS stop.

Community Concerns and Crime Statistics

Discussions on community forums and social media consistently highlight safety concerns at the Broadstone LUAS stop. The “Broadstone Together” survey mentioned “aggressive begging and intimidation.” Other concerns include drug dealing, drug use, assaults, and robberies on the LUAS Red Line (although Broadstone is on the Green Line, this highlights a broader issue).

It’s important to contextualise these concerns within Dublin’s broader crime statistics. Dublin has the highest crime rate in Ireland. In the last quarter of 2023, theft and related crimes increased by 12%, and robbery, extortion, and car theft rose by 26%. Public order offences decreased by 8%. While the decrease in public order offences is positive, the increases in theft and robbery are worrying. Dublin also has a lower detection rate for some crimes, including theft and sexual offences, compared to other regions, and a higher burglary rate.

Initiatives to Address Safety

Both Dublin City Council and TU Dublin have implemented initiatives to improve safety. Dublin City Council’s Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) in the North Inner City, including Smithfield/Broadstone, aims to address local safety issues through collaboration between community members, statutory services, and local councillors. The Council has also implemented a “Safe School Zone” initiative near schools in the Dublin Central area. Additionally, security guards have been deployed on Dublin Bus services as a pilot programme to address anti-social behaviour on public transport.

TU Dublin promotes a culture of safety and has a Student Dignity and Respect Policy to address bullying and harassment. Campus security is also present.

The “University Campus Feel”

Returning to my initial point about the lack of a “university campus feel,” I believe several factors contribute. The integration of the campus within the existing urban fabric, while offering benefits, perhaps dilutes the sense of a distinct university environment. The proximity to busy transport hubs, while convenient, can also contribute to a less tranquil atmosphere. The architectural style of some buildings, reminiscent of older polytechnics, further reinforces this impression. It lacks the cohesive, self-contained environment often associated with traditional university campuses.

Conclusion

While there are valid concerns about anti-social behaviour and safety in the vicinity of the Grangegorman campus, particularly around the Broadstone LUAS stop, there were no specific reports of theft in the provided material. The reported anti-social behaviour does, however, warrant vigilance.

The various initiatives implemented by Dublin City Council and TU Dublin are positive steps towards improving safety. However, addressing the underlying feeling of a lack of a “university campus feel” may require a more holistic approach, considering factors such as campus design, integration with the local community, and the overall atmosphere. Staying informed about safety updates and reporting any incidents is crucial. By working together, the community and the university can contribute to a safer and more welcoming environment.

PHOTOGRAPHED 20 DECEMBER 2024

Broadstone Luas Stop: A Confluence of History

The Broadstone Luas stop, a seemingly unremarkable point on Dublin’s Green Line, is a place where layers of history intersect. More than just a tram stop, it’s a gateway to the past, with connections to a forgotten canal harbour, a grand railway terminus, and a modern university campus. This blog post delves into the rich history of the Broadstone Luas stop and its surrounding area, exploring the architectural, cultural, and social significance of each landmark.

Broadstone Tram Stop and Plaza

The Broadstone Luas stop is a relatively recent addition to the area, opening in late 2017 as part of the Luas Cross City project. This ambitious project extended the Luas Green Line north from St. Stephen’s Green to Broombridge, traversing the city center and arriving at Broadstone. The construction involved excavating a large amount of earth and building a road bridge over the tracks to allow buses to access the nearby depot. While the stop was intended to be the closest to the Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) Grangegorman campus, the Grangegorman stop ultimately ended up being closer. Nevertheless, the Broadstone stop serves as an important transport hub for the surrounding community and provides access to the campus.

The stop is situated within the Broadstone Plaza, a newly developed public space designed as a “gateway” to the Grangegorman campus. The plaza’s design emphasises pedestrian access and connectivity, linking the campus with the surrounding neighborhoods of Phibsborough, Stoneybatter, and Prussia Street. This connection is further emphasized by the removal of the boundary wall that once separated Broadstone and Grangegorman, creating a historic pathway joining the two sites. The plaza provides easier access to the campus from these areas, fulfilling a key objective of the Grangegorman Masterplan.

The Luas Cross City project itself acted as a catalyst for the redevelopment of the Broadstone area and its connection to the Grangegorman campus. The project not only brought the tram line to Broadstone but also spurred the creation of the plaza and the pedestrian links envisioned in the Masterplan.

Within the plaza, you’ll find the “Bua” coffee kiosk, a popular spot for students and locals alike. Bua, meaning “victory” in Irish, was founded by two friends, Neil and Bud, who share a passion for quality coffee. Their first venture was a coffee truck in Drumcondra, and the success of Bua led them to open another specialty coffee shop called Joli in Stoneybatter. The presence of Bua in the plaza contributes to the sense of community and vibrancy that the Grangegorman Masterplan envisioned.

Broadstone Train Station and the Royal Canal

Dominating the plaza is the imposing structure of the old Broadstone Train Station. Built between 1841 and 1850, this building, designed in an austere neo-Egyptian style, served as the Dublin terminus of the Midland & Great Western Railway (MGWR). Designed by John Skipton Mulvaney, the station was constructed from Ballyknockan granite, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era. Interestingly, the building itself, known as the “Director’s House,” housed the offices of the MGWR company and was not a public entrance to the train shed behind.

The station’s location was strategically chosen due to its connection to the Royal Canal. A branch of the canal ran parallel to Phibsborough Road, terminating in a harbour adjacent to the station. This allowed for the efficient transport of goods and passengers between the railway and the canal network, connecting Dublin to the west of Ireland. A pontoon bridge across the canal provided access to the station.

The MGWR acquired the Royal Canal Company in 1845, further solidifying the link between rail and canal transport. The station’s significance as a transport hub is evident in its architectural grandeur and its historical role in facilitating trade and travel. During the War of Independence in 1920, Irish Volunteer Joseph Howley was assassinated at Broadstone by the Igoe Gang. This event adds another layer to the station’s rich history.

Today, the station building houses the headquarters of Bus Éireann and a Dublin Bus depot. The Luas line now runs through what was once the “railway cutting,” where it traverses the edge of the bus depot before continuing on its own right of way. This transformation highlights the evolving nature of transport infrastructure in the area. While the station once served as a gateway to the west of Ireland, it now primarily functions as a bus depot serving Dublin city, marking a significant shift in its role within the transport network.

St. Brendan’s Way and the Serpentine Walk

The Grangegorman Masterplan, which guides the development of the TU Dublin campus, places significant emphasis on pedestrian connectivity and green spaces. Two key elements of this plan are St. Brendan’s Way and the Serpentine Walk. St. Brendan’s Way is the primary urban path through the campus, designed as a vibrant pedestrian street with high-quality surface materials, street furniture, and landscaping. It connects the Broadstone Plaza to Prussia Street, creating a continuous pedestrian link from the city centre to the western neighbourhoods.

Complementing St. Brendan’s Way is the Serpentine Walk, a meandering path that traverses the site in two grand arcs, offering a more landscaped experience. It provides informal access to buildings and green spaces, with landscape “fingers” connecting the community to the playing fields. The Serpentine Walk is envisioned as part of a larger landscape network connecting the Grand Canal and Phoenix Park to the west with the Phibsborough and Mountjoy areas to the east. This network of paths provides both urban and landscaped experiences within the campus, promoting pedestrian movement and social interaction.

The Grangegorman Masterplan represents a significant effort to revitalise a historically institutionalised area and integrate it with the city. By prioritising pedestrian access, green spaces, and community connectivity, the Masterplan aims to create a vibrant and inclusive urban quarter.

Constitution Hill and King’s Inns

The Broadstone Luas stop is located on Constitution Hill, a historic street with connections to Dublin’s legal profession. The area was previously known as Glasmanogue, a name describing a ford crossing place over the Bradogue River, a Liffey tributary that now runs underground. The name “Constitution Hill” is believed to be derived from its proximity to King’s Inns, Ireland’s oldest institution of legal education. Founded in 1541, King’s Inns was initially located where the Four Courts now stand. In the 1790s, it moved to Constitution Hill, with the present building designed by renowned architect James Gandon.

King’s Inns is a prime example of Georgian architecture and has played a crucial role in shaping the Irish legal profession. Its graduates include prominent figures like Edward Carson, Patrick Pearse, and Mary Robinson. The institution’s presence across from the tram stop adds a layer of historical and cultural significance to the area. Visitors to King’s Inns can see the “Hungry Tree,” a large London Plane tree on the grounds that appears to be ingesting an iron bench.

Historically, Constitution Hill was also the site of a Royal Canal harbour, commissioned by Dublin Corporation in 1789. The harbours location was chosen for its proximity to the markets and the law courts, further connecting the area to the city’s commercial and legal activities.

Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann Depots

Adjacent to the Luas stop are the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann depots. The Dublin Bus depot occupies the old Broadstone Train Station building, which was repurposed after passenger services ceased in 1937. In 2021, the depot underwent a €15 million renovation, transforming it into a modern bus fleet maintenance facility. The depot has a capacity for 120 buses and employs 300 people. It also includes Dublin Bus’s Central Control and Driver Training Centre.

Bus Éireann, Ireland’s national bus service, also has its headquarters at Broadstone. The presence of these two major bus depots, along with the Luas stop, makes Broadstone a significant transport hub, employing a total of 1,200 people. To facilitate the operation of the depots, an overpass was constructed over the Luas tracks during the Cross City project. This overpass allows buses to access the depots without interfering with the tram service. As part of the Luas Cross City project, a “Be Track Aware” cycle safety campaign was also launched to promote safety around the new tram line.

Marian Statue

Near the old station building stands a Marian statue, a common sight in Ireland’s urban and rural landscapes. While the exact history of this particular statue is unclear, Marian statues in Ireland often date back to the mid-twentieth century. They represent a broader trend of reconfiguring the Irish landscape in the post-Independence period, reflecting the influence of Catholicism and nationalist discourse. The statue serves as a quiet reminder of the area’s religious and cultural heritage.

Conclusion
The Broadstone Luas stop is more than just a point of transit; it’s a place where the past and present intertwine. The layers of history are evident in the surrounding landmarks, from the remnants of a canal harbor and the grandeur of a former railway terminus to the modern university campus and bustling transport hub. The presence of King’s Inns, the bus depots, and the Marian statue further enrich the historical and cultural tapestry of this vibrant urban space.

The area’s transformation from a railway terminus serving the west of Ireland to a primarily Dublin-focused bus and tram hub reflects the changing needs and priorities of the city. The Grangegorman Masterplan, with its emphasis on pedestrian connectivity and green spaces, has played a crucial role in revitalizing this historically institutionalized area and integrating it with the surrounding community.

The Broadstone Luas stop stands as a testament to Dublin’s evolving urban landscape, where historical landmarks coexist with modern developments. It’s a place worth exploring, a place where one can take a journey through time while experiencing the dynamism of a modern city. Why not take a stroll along Constitution Hill, visit the grounds of King’s Inns, or simply pause to appreciate the architectural grandeur of the old Broadstone Train Station? You might be surprised by what you discover.