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urban development

THE NEW WOODBROOK TRAIN STATION – MY FIRST TIME TO VISIT THIS TRANSPORT FACILITY

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY WILLIAM MURPHY 6 OCTOBER 2025

A new addition to Dublin’s public transport network, Woodbrook DART station, officially opened on 10 August 2025. Situated between Bray and Shankill on the border of Dublin and Wicklow, the station is a key piece of infrastructure for the developing Woodbrook and Shanganagh areas.

Services and Connectivity

The station, the 147th on the Irish Rail network, provides a significant boost to local connectivity. It is served by up to 191 DART services every weekday, offering a journey time of approximately 40 minutes to Dublin’s city centre. The introduction of the new station has led to minor timetable adjustments on the DART, Rosslare, Northern, and Maynooth commuter lines to integrate the new stop and enhance overall service performance.

Station Design and Facilities

Woodbrook station has been designed with modern commuter needs in mind. It features two 174-metre platforms equipped with shelters, seating, lighting, and customer information systems. Accessibility is a key feature, with a new pedestrian bridge providing both ramped and stepped access across the railway tracks. The station is also equipped with CCTV, ticketing facilities, and secure bicycle parking. The design allows for future integration with pedestrian and cycling routes, promoting sustainable travel options.

Development and Impact on the Local Area

The construction of Woodbrook DART station, which began in November 2023, is a central component of the wider Woodbrook Masterplan. This plan aims to create a new residential community of up to 2,300 homes. The station’s development is intended to reduce reliance on private cars and support Ireland’s climate action targets by providing a frequent and sustainable public transport option.

Funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority, the station is strategically located to serve both existing residents and the new housing developments. Its opening is seen as a vital step in the sustainable growth of the Woodbrook-Shanganagh area, connecting the community to employment, education, and leisure opportunities across the Dublin region. The project is an example of integrated transport and land-use planning, ensuring that new residential areas are supported by essential public services from the outset.

CUFFE STREET ON A REALLY WET DAY

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LEGACY PHOTO CATALOGUE FROM 2022

Cuffe Street, a Dublin thoroughfare running from St. Stephen’s Green to Kevin Street Lower, holds a story of change and evolution mirroring the city’s own. While it may appear unassuming today, its history is interwoven with architectural shifts, urban planning decisions, and social housing initiatives.

Early Days:

First appearing on maps in 1728, Cuffe Street was named for James Cuffe. Even earlier, Herman Moll’s 1714 map shows buildings along its north side. By 1756, it was known as “Great Cuffe Street” on John Rocque’s map of Dublin. The early 1700s saw the construction of predominantly gable-fronted houses, known as “Dutch Billys.” These distinctive dwellings were later modified during the Georgian and Victorian periods, contributing to the street’s evolving architectural character.

A Changing Landscape:

The most dramatic transformation occurred in the mid-20th century. Dublin Corporation’s road widening schemes, intended to modernise the city’s infrastructure, led to the demolition of many of Cuffe Street’s historic buildings. This drastic intervention resulted in the current dual carriageway and tree-lined appearance, prioritising traffic flow over the preservation of architectural heritage.

The Lost Buildings:

Among the casualties of the road widening was 49 Cuffe Street, once home to the Bricklayers’ and Stonecutters’ Guild. Originally built as St. Peter’s Parish Savings Bank, the building was later expanded and repurposed. Despite efforts to save its façade, it was demolished in 1985. As of 2021, the remaining elements are reportedly held in storage by Dublin City Council.

Another significant loss was the Winter Garden Palace, a prominent landmark at the corner of Cuffe Street and St. Stephen’s Green. This historic pub, dating back to the 1860s, was a meeting place for Fenian groups and played a role in the 1916 Easter Rising. Compulsory purchase orders in the 1960s led to its demolition in 1975, along with surrounding residential and retail areas.

The Ardilaun Centre and the Iveagh Garden Hotel:

The site of the Winter Garden Palace and its neighbouring buildings was redeveloped by MEPC plc in the late 1970s. The resulting office complex, named the Ardilaun Centre, was designed by Costello, Murray and Beaumont and built by Sisk Group.

The Iveagh Garden Hotel now stands where the Ardilaun Centre once stood. It was built in the late 2000s by the O’Callaghan Hotel Group and opened in 2009. While initially facing some planning delays, it eventually began operation and remains a prominent feature at the eastern end of Cuffe Street.

Cuffe Street Today:

Cuffe Street today reflects the complexities of Dublin’s urban development. The road widening schemes, while intended to modernize the city, resulted in the loss of much of its historic character. The presence of social housing projects underscores the city’s efforts to address housing needs, while also contributing to the street’s less commercial atmosphere.

Though lacking the vibrancy of some neighbouring streets, Cuffe Street remains an integral part of Dublin’s urban fabric. It’s a place where the past lingers amidst the present, offering a glimpse into the city’s ongoing transformation.