PARKS AND GARDENS

PHOTOGRAPHED FOR INFOMATIQUE BY WILLIAM MURPHY

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The History of Bridgefoot Street Park and its Environs

Bridgefoot Street Park, a recent addition to the Liberties area of Dublin 8, stands as a testament to urban regeneration and community engagement.

Officially opened in 2022, this one-hectare green space is notable for its innovative construction, utilising repurposed materials derived from construction and demolition waste. Situated within the historic Liberties neighbourhood, the park is bordered by several sites of historical significance, making its location particularly noteworthy.

This discussion aims to delve into the history of Bridgefoot Street Park and its immediate surroundings, exploring the various transformations the area has undergone, investigating the etymology of the street name, and examining the factors contributing to its perceived “rough” reputation. Understanding the multifaceted history of this locale provides valuable context for appreciating the park’s emergence as a vital community asset.  

The land on which Bridgefoot Street Park now resides has a layered past, reflecting Dublin’s evolving urban landscape. Before its transformation into a public amenity, the site was a brownfield area that housed a substantial Corporation flat complex. Known as Oliver Bond House, these flats were constructed in 1936 and named in honour of Oliver Bond, a key figure in the Society of United Irishmen.

Prior to the development of these flats, the area was occupied by 18th-century terraced houses, a common form of urban dwelling during that period. However, going further back in time, historical records indicate a less salubrious use for the land. In the mid-18th century, the site served as a municipal dump or laystall, a designated area for the disposal of waste.

John Rocque’s map of Dublin, dating back to 1756, explicitly marks the area for this purpose, even referring to the adjacent Island Street as Dunghill Lane. Interestingly, archaeological investigations conducted on the site revealed evidence of even earlier land use, uncovering medieval garden soils beneath the later waste deposits. This discovery suggests that the area was once part of the medieval western suburb of Dublin, with cultivated land predating its use as a refuse site. Furthermore, a map from 1610 depicts a potential mill in the vicinity, hinting at some level of industrial activity in the area during the early 17th century.  

The metamorphosis of this historically rich site into Bridgefoot Street Park began in 2016, culminating in its opening to the public in 2022.

This transformation was the result of a collaborative and innovative design process spearheaded by DFLA landscape architects, with a strong emphasis on community involvement. A key feature of the park’s development is its commitment to sustainability, utilising construction and demolition waste as secondary raw materials.

This makes Bridgefoot Street Park the first permanent public space in Ireland to be created using such materials. An impressive amount of waste, including concrete, bricks, and crushed glass, was repurposed in the park’s construction. The resulting landscape is multi-layered and incorporates mounds, sunny terraces, a community garden, and play areas, all enhanced by the planting of over 180 trees. This initiative directly addresses the documented lack of quality green space in the Liberties area, aiming to promote biodiversity and environmental consciousness within the urban environment. The creation of the park was not a swift process but rather the result of years of campaigning by local residents who advocated for a green space on this site instead of further housing developments. Prior to the official construction, the site was even temporarily used as a community garden by local people, demonstrating their desire for and engagement with the space.  

The immediate area surrounding Bridgefoot Street Park is steeped in history, with several significant buildings and events leaving their mark. To the east of the park lies Oliver Bond House, the aforementioned flat complex built in 1936. Before its construction, the site housed The Anchor brewery, established in 1740 and later owned by a son of Daniel O’Connell.

Historically, many residents of the Oliver Bond flats found employment in various local factories, contributing to the area’s working-class character. Located near the park on Usher’s Island is the Mendicity Institution, one of Dublin’s oldest charities, founded in 1818. This institution has a long history of providing essential support such as food, clothing, lodging, education, and employment training to the impoverished in Dublin.

Notably, the Mendicity Institution played a significant role in the 1916 Easter Rising when it was occupied by Captain Seán Heuston and a contingent of Irish Volunteers. Even prominent figures like Daniel O’Connell served as president of the institution in 1842, highlighting its importance in Dublin’s social fabric.  

The legacy of Irish nationalism is also strongly linked to the area. Robert Emmet, a key figure in the 1803 rebellion, was executed on Thomas Street, which is in close proximity to Bridgefoot Street. While an urban myth persists that his head was rolled down Bridgefoot Street after his execution, historical evidence does not support this claim.

The park’s address on Robert Emmet Walk serves as a contemporary reminder of this historical figure. Beyond these prominent connections, the area’s history stretches back to medieval times, lying on a significant east-west route connecting Kilmainham to the historic walled city. Marshalsea Barracks and St Catherine’s Church are also located on the periphery of the park area, further underscoring the historical depth of the surroundings. St Catherine’s Chapel itself has roots dating back to 1724 when it existed on what was then known as Dirty Lane, now the upper part of Bridgefoot Street. Mellows Bridge, another historical landmark, forms the northern boundary of the area.  

The name “Bridgefoot Street” itself has an interesting history. Originally, the street was known as “Dirty Lane,” a moniker that directly reflected the unsanitary practice of dumping human waste from within the city walls onto the street, resulting in foul odours.

The subsequent name, “Bridgefoot Street,” clearly indicates a location at the base or foot of a bridge. Given the proximity of Mellows Bridge, which was historically known as Queen’s Bridge, it is likely that the street’s name derives from its position relative to an older bridge in the vicinity.

This type of naming convention, where streets take their names from nearby geographical features, is not uncommon, as evidenced by the example of Bridgefoot Street in Sligo, which was named for its location at the foot of a bridge crossing the Garavogue River.

The existence of St. Catherine’s Chapel on Dirty Lane in 1724 suggests that the name change to Bridgefoot Street occurred sometime after this period, likely as the area developed and efforts were made to improve its image and sanitation. While a less probable theory from a TikTok user suggests a connection to a chapel dedicated to Princess Isolde , the historical context of “Dirty Lane” and the common topographical naming practice make the derivation from a physical bridge far more plausible.  

The perception of Bridgefoot Street and the wider Liberties area as “rough” is a recurring theme in discussions about this part of Dublin. Several interconnected factors likely contribute to this reputation.

The presence of Oliver Bond House, a large social housing complex, is frequently mentioned in this context. Residents of Oliver Bond House have reported significant issues with drug dealing, anti-social behaviour, and instances of violence within the complex.

Online discussions on platforms like Reddit corroborate this, with users noting a higher prevalence of public drug use and homelessness around Bridgefoot Street compared to other areas of the city.

Some long-term residents have indicated that while social problems have historically been present, they have become more pronounced in recent years. However, it is also important to acknowledge the perspective of community members who emphasise that these issues are primarily caused by a minority and that the Liberties is home to many hardworking and friendly individuals.

Historically, the Liberties has been a predominantly working-class area, and like many such areas in urban centres, it has faced challenges related to poverty and associated social issues. While some level of gentrification has occurred in recent times, social housing remains a significant feature of the area.

The development of Bridgefoot Street Park is part of a broader “Greening the Liberties” strategy by Dublin City Council, which itself suggests a recognition of past deficiencies in public spaces within the neighbourhood. Interestingly, the unusually wide roads along Bridgefoot Street are remnants of an ambitious but ultimately abandoned motorway plan from the 1960s and 70s. This incomplete infrastructure project may have inadvertently contributed to the area’s character by creating a less cohesive or pedestrian-friendly urban environment.  

In conclusion, the history of Bridgefoot Street Park and its surrounding area is a rich tapestry woven with threads of medieval settlements, industrial activity, social housing developments, charitable endeavours, and nationalist uprisings.

The transformation of a former municipal dump and later a site of social housing into a public park signifies a significant shift in urban planning priorities, emphasising the importance of green spaces and community well-being.

The name “Bridgefoot Street” likely originates from its location at the foot of a historical bridge, replacing the less appealing moniker of “Dirty Lane.” The area’s “rough” reputation appears to stem from a combination of historical socio-economic factors, the presence of social housing with its associated challenges, and perceptions of crime and anti-social behaviour. However, the development of Bridgefoot Street Park, as part of the “Greening the Liberties” initiative, represents a positive step towards enhancing the quality of life for residents and potentially reshaping the area’s image. This new green space holds the promise of becoming a vital community hub, balancing the rich history of the Liberties with contemporary needs for recreation, social interaction, and environmental sustainability.

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