pigeon house Archives - NORTH OF THE RIVER

FOR MANY YEARS IT WAS A MAJOR DERELICT EYESORE

30 Manor Street, once a popular shop in the heart of Stoneybatter, Dublin 7, has been sold after years of neglect. Prior to its sale, the building had become a derelict eyesore, attracting pigeons due to the actions of an elderly man who fed them. Locals even nicknamed it the “pigeon house.”

Despite its state of disrepair, the building held potential due to its prime location on Manor Street, rear access from Shea’s Lane, and a large rear garden. The property offered opportunities for redevelopment and was zoned for mixed use, meaning it could be transformed into a residential unit, retail space, or office.

Interestingly, the building’s facade featured artwork by Sorcha O’Higgins, part of a growing network of murals and signage throughout Stoneybatter, including pieces by Claire Prouvost near Rea auctioneers, and others at Viking Place, Halliday Road, and the Scout building on Ben Edair Road. While this artistic contribution added to the area’s character, it ultimately did not alter the fate of the building itself.

The sale of 30 Manor Street marks a new chapter for this once-neglected property. Its transformation could breathe new life into the area, contributing to the ongoing revitalisation of Stoneybatter.

Feral pigeons pose a public health issue due to the numerous diseases they can carry and transmit to humans. These diseases can be spread through direct contact with the birds, their droppings, or by inhaling contaminated dust.

Some of the health risks associated with feral pigeons include:

Histoplasmosis: A respiratory infection caused by a fungus found in pigeon droppings.
Cryptococcosis: A fungal infection that can affect the lungs, brain, and other organs.
Psittacosis: A bacterial infection that can cause flu-like symptoms and pneumonia.
Salmonellosis: A bacterial infection that can cause food poisoning.
E. coli: A bacteria that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.
In addition to these diseases, feral pigeons can also carry parasites such as mites and fleas, which can infest humans and cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

The accumulation of pigeon droppings can also create unsanitary conditions and attract other pests, further exacerbating the public health risks.

For these reasons, it is important to minimize contact with feral pigeons and their droppings, and to report any concerns about their presence to the appropriate authorities.

More about the pigeon issue: www.dublininquirer.com/2017/11/15/in-stoneybatter-ambival…