William Murphy

KENSINGTON LODGE

September 22, 2024 by infomatique

GROVE PARK OFF LOWER RATHMINES ROAD

Kensington Lodge, located on Grove Park in Rathmines, Dublin, is quite a notable building. Here are some interesting points about it:

Architectural Significance: Built in 1882, it’s a beautiful example of Queen Anne-style architecture, designed by William Isaac Chambers for himself. It’s particularly recognised for its early use of terracotta mouldings in Dublin, a detail that was highlighted in press coverage at the time.

Historical Context: It was built on the Grove Park estate, which was being developed at the time into building sites. Its construction showcases a period of architectural innovation and experimentation in Dublin.

Present Day: It remains a striking landmark on Grove Park, admired by locals and passersby.

While it’s a private residence, its exterior is a testament to Dublin’s rich architectural heritage. If you’re ever in Rathmines, it’s worth taking a detour down Grove Park to appreciate Kensington Lodge’s unique charm and historical significance.

IS THIS A NEW COFFEE SHOP AT THE GRANGEGORMAN GATE

September 11, 2024 by infomatique

BROADSTONE PLAZA AND LUAS TRAM STOP

When I arrived at the LUAS tram Stop at Broadstone I noticed a crew of people installing what appeared to be a coffee kiosk or diner.

Broadstone is one of three neighbourhood’s that together form the modern-day Phibsboro area in Dublin, Ireland. Situated furthest south among these, it starts just two kilometers north of the Father Mathew Bridge at Ormond Quay. The area is triangular in shape, bordered by Phibsborough Road and Constitution Hill on the west, North Circular Road on the north, and Dorset Street and Bolton Street on the southeast. Its postal code is Dublin 7.

The Grangegorman Gate, built as part of the Luas Cross City project, serves as a vital entrance to the Grangegorman University campus. This completed public plaza now significantly connects Grangegorman to the heart of Dublin. It’s located off Constitution Hill where the old Royal Canal once was, at the site of the former Great Western Railway Station (commonly called Broadstone), and is now a major gateway to the Grangegorman urban quarter.

The Broadstone area, bordering Grangegorman on its east, underwent a Part VIII planning process in 2014 to enable site development and gate access.

The Grangegorman Masterplan envisions the main urban path through Grangegorman, St Brendan’s Way, connecting with the Broadstone Gate, ultimately reaching Prussia Street. This Broadstone link can also be viewed as an extension of Dublin’s historic 18th-century core, which stretched from Dublin Castle across Grattan Bridge, along Capel Street/Bolton Street, to Henrietta Street and King’s Inn.

THE CLOCK TOWER BUILDING LOWER GRANGEGORMAN

September 11, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED 11 SEPTEMBER 2024

The Clock Tower Building, Grangegorman: A Storied Past, A Promising Future

History

Construction and Original Purpose: The Clock Tower building, designed by the renowned architect Francis Johnston, was completed in 1816. It was initially intended to serve as the Richmond Penitentiary, reflecting the then-prevalent architectural style of penitentiaries in Britain and Ireland.

Evolving Roles: Despite its initial purpose, the building’s function shifted multiple times throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

1818: Briefly repurposed as a Fever Hospital.
1820-1831: Operated as a prison, housing both male and female inmates.
1832-1834: Converted into a Cholera Hospital during an outbreak.
1836-1874: Became the first exclusively female penitentiary in the UK and Ireland, also serving as a transportation depot for women and girls awaiting transportation to Tasmania.
Post-1874: Due to overcrowding in other prisons, the north wing once again housed male prisoners.
Late 20th Century: The building was largely abandoned and fell into disrepair.
Recent Developments

Stabilisation and Refurbishment:
2013: A conservation and condition report was published, outlining necessary works.
2014: Initial stabilisation and partial refurbishment works began to safeguard the building’s historic fabric.
2016: Additional works, including re-pointing lime mortar and installing ramps, were carried out to improve accessibility.
2022: Further refurbishment works reached substantial completion in October, ensuring the building’s structural integrity and preserving its historical features.
Current Status (2024)

Offices and Administration: The Clock Tower Building currently serves as office space for the Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and the Grangegorman Development Agency (GDA).
Iconic Landmark: The building remains a prominent feature of the Grangegorman campus, its distinctive clock tower serving as a visual reminder of its historical significance.
Future Plans

Academic Space: The Grangegorman Masterplan designates the Clock Tower Building for future use as academic space for the College of Engineering & Built Environment of TU Dublin.
Continued Preservation: While specific plans for its adaptation into academic space are yet to be finalised, the building’s protected status ensures its continued preservation and careful integration into the evolving Grangegorman campus.

K&F Concept 72mm Variable ND Lens Filter ND3-ND1000 (1.5-10 Stops) Putter Adjustable HD Neutral Density Filter with 28 Multi-Layer Coatings for Camera Lens (Nano-X Series)

【Import Optical Glass】This ND filter is made by importing Japanese AGC optical glass, a total of 28 multi-layer coatings, effectivly reducing reflection from the filter itself and glarings, ensuring high-quality image.
【Putter Adjustable Design】Frame designed as a putter can help you accurately adjust the stop, for video shooting users can automatically adjust the stop via auxiliary tools, each stop from ND3 to ND1000 be marked on the frame conveniently for 360-degree rotation to adjust the stop, multi-scene application.
【Waterproof & Scratch Resistant】Both glass sides of the variable nd lens filter with multi-layer hydrophobic, oil-proof, and scratch-resistant coating, protecting the nd filter from all round, suitable for adventure use.
【No Vignetting】The filter designed with an ultra-wide-angle design, the ultra-slim frame is only 7.4mm, supporting in 16mm telephoto and wide-angle lens no vignetting, due to the difference in lens type and focal length so this filter might be met dark "X" cross, this isn't the quality problem, it can disappear via rotating the filter.
【Compatibility Note】This ND filter suits all 72mm lenses. Check your camera's lens thread size (usually beside a "ø" diameter symbol) before ordering. Additionally, a 77mm lens cap is required for this 72mm variable ND filter.

$76.49

THE MILLENNIUM BRIDGE IN CARLOW

September 10, 2024 by infomatique

A MODERN LINK ACROSS THE BARROW

The Millennium Bridge in Carlow, opened in 2002, is a striking pedestrian bridge that gracefully spans the River Barrow, connecting the historic town centre with the vibrant district of Graiguecullen. This elegant structure serves as a vital artery, facilitating easy access for pedestrians and cyclists between these two bustling areas.

The River Barrow, one of Ireland’s “Three Sisters” rivers, meanders through Carlow, adding to its scenic beauty. The Millennium Bridge, with its sleek design, complements the natural landscape while providing a practical solution for crossing the river.

While the bridge’s name suggests a connection to the year 2000, its opening was delayed due to various factors, including construction and planning considerations. Despite the slight delay, it remains a symbol of progress and a testament to Carlow’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and connectivity.

The Millennium Bridge offers more than just a convenient crossing. It also provides stunning panoramic views of the river and its surroundings. From the bridge, one can admire the Carlow Rowing Club on one side and the verdant expanse of Carlow Town Park on the other. Whether you’re a local commuter or a visitor exploring the town, the Millennium Bridge is a must-see landmark that seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetic appeal.

THE MERRION GATES AREA

September 10, 2024 by infomatique

PRESENTS A COMPLEX COLLECTION OF PROBLEMS

The Merrion Gates area on Merrion Road in Dublin presents a complex interplay of transportation and environmental challenges.

Merrion Gates:

Traffic Congestion: The level crossing at Merrion Gates is a notorious bottleneck, causing significant traffic delays, particularly during peak hours. The increased frequency of DART trains exacerbates this issue.
Safety Concerns: The level crossing also poses safety risks due to motorists attempting to “beat the gates,” potentially causing damage and further delays.
Merrion Strand/Beach:

Water Pollution: Unfortunately, Merrion Strand has been declassified as a bathing area due to persistent poor water quality. This pollution stems from a combination of factors:
Overflowing Sewers: During heavy rainfall, outdated sewer systems can overflow, contaminating nearby waterways and ultimately the beach.
Urban Runoff: Pollutants from roads and other urban surfaces are washed into streams and rivers, further impacting water quality.
Animal Waste: Bird droppings and dog fouling contribute to bacterial contamination in the water.

The closure of Merrion Strand highlights the difficulty of managing pollution in urban coastal areas. Despite efforts to address the issue, the complex interplay of factors makes it challenging to achieve consistent water quality improvements. This serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between urban development and environmental protection, and the need for continued investment in sustainable infrastructure and pollution control measures.