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William Murphy

THE FAMOUS FIVE LAMPS

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PHOTOGRAPHED 28 SEPTEMBER 2024

The Five Lamps, an iconic landmark in Dublin’s North Inner City, stands at the intersection of five streets: North Strand Road, Portland Row, Killarney Street, Amiens Street and Seville Place. It is a highly decorated lamp-post with, you guessed it, five lanterns.

Why the name?

The origin of the name remains a topic of debate. Some believe it’s simply due to the five streets that converge at this point. Others propose it commemorates five major battles fought during the Indian Mutiny. Another theory links it to the five lamps lit for luck during the Hindu Diwali festival. A more prosaic explanation is that it’s just an example of a standard five-lantern design from the Sun Foundry in Glasgow.

A bit of history

The Five Lamps was constructed in the late 19th century as a memorial to General Henry Hall, who served in the British Army in India. Initially, it wasn’t just a lamp-post; it incorporated a drinking fountain with four basins at its base, promoting sobriety. Water flowed from spouts shaped like lions’ heads, and metal cups were once chained to the base for public use.

The surrounding area

The area around the Five Lamps is steeped in history. It was heavily impacted during the North Strand Bombing in 1941, when German planes mistakenly targeted Dublin. Miraculously, the Five Lamps survived the attack, though many lives were lost and homes destroyed. Today, the area is a vibrant mix of residential and commercial spaces, reflecting the city’s rich past and evolving present.

THE MARINO AREA OF DUBLIN

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SEPTEMBER 2024 AND THE ROAD WORKS ARE ONGOING

Marino and the Clontarf to City Centre Scheme: A September 2024 Update

Marino, a distinctive suburb on Dublin’s Northside, stands as a testament to early affordable housing initiatives, shaped by the Garden City Movement. Its unique concrete-built houses and planned layout distinguish it from other areas in the city.

However, Marino’s proximity to the Clontarf to City Centre Scheme means its residents and commuters are directly impacted by the ongoing roadworks. While the project’s ambition to enhance cycling, walking, and public transport along this vital corridor is commendable, its protracted timeline has understandably caused frustration.

Challenges and Delays

Several factors have contributed to the delays:

Project Scale and Complexity: The sheer size and intricacy of the project, encompassing upgrades to pathways, lighting, and traffic management along a considerable stretch of roadway, necessitate meticulous planning and coordination.
Utility Relocations: The need to relocate or modify existing utility lines often leads to unforeseen complexities and setbacks.
Stakeholder Engagement: Ongoing consultation with residents, businesses, and commuters, while essential, can lengthen the project timeline.
Unforeseen Ground Conditions: Unexpected challenges encountered during excavation or construction can disrupt schedules and necessitate design adjustments.
Progress and Completion

Despite these challenges, the project is nearing completion as of September 2024.

Completed elements include:

The full inbound cycle path
Sections of the outbound cycle path
Upgraded footpaths, crossings, and road surfaces
New greenery and public spaces
Replacement of ageing water mains
Remaining work includes:

Completing the outbound cycle path (expected Q4 2024)
Final works at Marino Mart and Connolly Station (expected Q4 2024)
Snagging works to address minor defects
Looking Ahead

While delays are regrettable, the finished scheme promises to transform this busy corridor into a safer, more sustainable, and accessible space for all. Marino residents and commuters can look forward to enjoying the benefits in the near future.

HENRIETTA STREET AND KINGS INNS WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP

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A NUMBER OF VISITS DURING SEPTEMBER 2024

Henrietta Street and King’s Inns are inextricably linked, sharing a rich history and architectural significance.

King’s Inns, Ireland’s oldest school of law and the country’s only Inn of Court, occupies a prominent position at the top of Henrietta Street.
The impressive neoclassical building on Henrietta Street, designed by James Gandon, is the heart of King’s Inns and houses its main functions.
Additionally, King’s Inns owns several other properties on Henrietta Street, including the library building and some Georgian houses, further solidifying its presence on the street.
The park, situated behind the main building, adds a touch of serenity to the legal institution and provides a green space for students and staff.

THE NEW CUSTOM HOUSE

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PROMENADE ROAD ON THE TOLKA ESTUARY

The New Custom House: A Modern Hub for Customs Operations

The New Custom House in Dublin Port stands as a testament to the modernisation of customs operations in Ireland. Located on the Tolka Estuary at Promenade Road in Dublin 3, near the East Point Business Park, this £8 million complex has been fully constructed and is now operational.

Spanning approximately 4,000 square meters, the building houses both office spaces and “turning out” sheds, accommodating around 166 staff members. The New Custom House has successfully centralised all customs functions within the port, streamlining operations that were previously dispersed across various locations.

Despite its significance in facilitating trade and enhancing efficiency, the New Custom House project received relatively little publicity compared to its historical counterpart, the iconic Custom House designed by James Gandon. This newer building, however, serves as a vital hub for customs activities in the 21st century, playing a crucial role in supporting the flow of goods through Dublin Port.

While the historic Custom House remains a celebrated landmark, the New Custom House on Promenade Road represents a forward-looking approach to customs operations, equipped to handle the demands of modern trade and commerce.

CLONTARF AND SCOTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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MARINO AREA OF DUBLIN

History

1861: The United Presbyterian Church of Scotland initiates a mission to establish a church in Dublin for its expatriates.  
1888: The Ormond Quay and Scots Church merges with the Clontarf congregation. Construction begins on a new church designed by architect Thomas Drew.  
1890: The new church on Howth Road is completed and opened.  
2003: The Ormond Quay and Scots Church votes to merge with the Clontarf Presbyterian Church, forming the Clontarf & Scots Presbyterian Church as it’s known today.  

Why is it so named?

The name reflects the union of two congregations:

Clontarf: Refers to its location in the Clontarf area of Dublin.
Scots: Signifies its historical connection to the Scots Church, which itself was founded by Scottish Presbyterians in Dublin.
Location

The church is situated on Howth Road in Clontarf, Dublin 3.  

Current Status

The Clontarf and Scots Presbyterian Church remains an active Presbyterian congregation.  
It offers various services, including Sunday worship, Bible studies, and community events.  

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