NORTH OF THE RIVER AS EXPERIENCED BY THE URBAN CARTOGRAPHER

Original Images By William Murphy

Home » Stoneybatter

Stoneybatter

PUNK PIGEONS BY PAUL GONNELLY IS AN EXAMPLE PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART IN CONTEXT

by

NEAR 30 MANOR STREET – THE PIGEON HOUSE

On Manor Street in Stoneybatter, a traffic light control box features “Punk Pigeons,” a vibrant piece of street art by Paul Gonnelly. This work, part of the Dublin Canvas ‘Paint-a-Box’ project, is a colourful tribute to the area’s well-known, and often pesky, pigeon population.

The artwork is inspired by a complex local story. A nearby house at 30 Manor Street became informally known as the “Pigeon House” due to a resident who enthusiastically fed the local feral pigeons. Over time, the excess food also attracted rats, leading some to dub it the “Rat House.” Gonnelly’s art playfully references this notorious piece of Stoneybatter history.

This specific location has a history of artistic transformation. “Punk Pigeons” is the latest piece to adorn the box, having replaced Joseph O’Connor’s ‘This is Cowtown’ (2020) and, before that, ‘Batterbricks’ by Cathal McCoy (2015-2020), showcasing the dynamic nature of public art.

30 MANOR STREET WAS ONCE A SHOP BUT IT HAS BEEN SOLD

by

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…

FEATURES A SMALL ENCLOSED GREEN SPACE

by

HALLIDAY SQUARE

O’DEVANY GARDENS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

Halliday Square, constructed by the Dublin Artisan Dwelling Company (DADC) in the late 19th century, is a unique residential square nestled in the heart of Stoneybatter, Dublin 7. Unlike typical artisan dwellings of the era, which were characterised by cramped living spaces and tiny yards, Halliday Square offered its residents a communal green space enclosed by railings. This green space served as a shared garden for tenants, providing a much-needed oasis in the dense urban landscape.

The square comprises two-story terraced houses, simple in design yet functional, built to accommodate the working-class families of the time. While not architecturally elaborate, the houses’ uniformity and the central green create a distinct sense of community and shared space.

History of Halliday Square and the Dublin Artisan Dwelling Company:

The DADC was established in 1876 to address the dire housing conditions faced by Dublin’s working class. The company aimed to provide affordable, well-built housing for artisans and labourers. Halliday Square, one of their many projects, reflects this mission, offering decent housing with a unique communal amenity.

Stoneybatter, the neighbourhood where Halliday Square is situated, has a rich history dating back to Viking times. Known for its uncommon road surface, “Bothar na gCloch,” meaning “road of the stones”, Stoneybatter evolved into a bustling industrial centre in the 19th century.

The DADC’s efforts, including the construction of Halliday Square, contributed to the improvement of living conditions for many workers in the area. While Stoneybatter experienced a period of decline in the mid-20th century, it has since undergone a revitalisation, becoming a vibrant neighbourhood known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Halliday Square remains a testament to Stoneybatter’s industrial past and the social housing initiatives of the late 19th century. It stands as a quiet, enduring landmark, offering its residents a tranquil haven within a thriving urban community.

WESTBROOK MOTORS CAR SHOWROOM PARKGATE STREET

by

AS IT WAS IN JUNE 2024

ABOUT PARKGATE STREET
THE MOTOR TRADE IN DUBLIN AND ELSEWHERE
ABOUT THIS UNOCCUPIED SHOWROOM

I have passed this site a number of times and I always thought they it was not well maintained but today it appeared to be derelict but when I checked their site is was shown to be operational and many Google searches indicated that it was operational but eventually I found a Google Maps entry, with a slightly different address, that showed the site to be Permanently Closed.

I eventually came across the following notice which was published in May 2019

“Motor Showroom close to Courts and Heuston Station “ripe for development”, subject to planning permission for a range of uses including residential, shared living, aparthotel, hotel, retail or offices. Tenants Westbrook Motors and The Natural Bakery Company will continue to trade there until the expiration of their leases towards the end of 2022. The whole plot is producing an annual rental income of €153,900 with the option to increase this with the letting of vacant offices.”

I am beta testing a service that conducts some in depth research for me and they replied as follows:

You are absolutely correct! Westbrook Motors at Parkgate Street seems to have either moved or consolidated their operations. Their website now redirects to their location at: Unit 6D Rosemount Park Road, Rosemount Business Park, Ballycoolin Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 D11 NR20. This could explain why the Parkgate Street location appears closed, despite their website still being active.

Westbrook Motors has a rich history in Dublin.

Joseph Clarke started his career as an apprentice mechanic with Westbrook Motors on Parnell Street over 50 years ago. In 1980, Joe bought the business and, through hard work and dedication, grew it until he retired in 2010.

Their website mentions the Parkgate Street location but does not specify when it opened or closed. However, the information you found about the 2019 notice indicates it was in operation until at least the end of 2022.

Today, Westbrook Motors continues to operate from their Blanchardstown location, offering new and used car sales, servicing, and repairs.

44 NORTH CIRCULAR ROAD

by

APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN UNOCCUPIED FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS

O’DEVANY GARDENS AROUND THE CORNER
QUEEN STREET FLATS IN STONEYBATTER

2018 Squatter Issue:

In March 2018, the property at 44 North Circular Road, owned by Havbell Designated Activity Company, was illegally occupied by squatters. The High Court subsequently granted an injunction, compelling the occupants to vacate the premises.

Current Status (June 2024):

Currently unoccupied, the property is on the market for sale or rent.

Additional Information:

This distinctive group of three terraced, double-pile, two-bay, two-storey houses with raised basements stands out among its North Circular Road neighbours due to its unique half-timbering, an increasingly popular fashion in early twentieth-century suburban housing. Retaining much of its original character, its substantial proportions complement the broad, tree-lined North Circular Road.

The road itself was laid out in the 1780s to provide convenient access routes to the city centre. Development was gradual over the following century, with the far western and eastern ends being the last to see construction.

We Are Removing All Advertising