PUBLIC TRANSPORT

All Photographs Supplied By William Murphy

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DUBLINBIKES DOCKING STATION 03 BOLTON STREET DURING A SNOW STORM

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DECEMBER 2010 LEGACY PHOTO COLLECTION

Dublinbikes, launched in 2009, was still in its infancy in 2010. The scheme, with its distinctive blue bicycles and prominent docking stations, was designed to provide a public bicycle rental service for residents and visitors to Dublin.

In 2010, Dublinbikes was notable for its lack of a commercial sponsor. This meant the bikes were simply branded with the Dublinbikes logo and the city council’s emblem. This was a conscious decision by Dublin City Council, who wanted to establish the service as a public utility before seeking commercial sponsorship.

The winter of 2010 was particularly harsh in Dublin, with several heavy snowfalls. This was unusual, as snow in Dublin is typically infrequent and doesn’t tend to disrupt daily life significantly. However, 2010 was different. The heavy snow and ice caused widespread disruption to transport and daily life, including the Dublinbikes service. Many docking stations were temporarily closed due to the hazardous conditions, and the use of the bikes was significantly reduced as people opted to stay indoors.

Despite the challenges posed by the weather, Dublinbikes continued to operate throughout the winter of 2010, providing a valuable service to those who braved the elements. The lack of a commercial sponsor did not hinder the service’s popularity, and it continued to grow in popularity in the years that followed.

CLONTARF GARAGE 2017 LEGACY PHOTO COLLECTION

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY WILLIAM MURPHY

  • CLONTARF GARAGE [2017 LEGACY PHOTO COLLECTION]-244445-1

Clontarf Garage is more than just a place where buses park overnight. It’s a landmark with a rich history intertwined with the development of public transport in Dublin.

Here’s what I’ve found about Clontarf Garage:

Early beginnings: The garage was originally built as a tram depot in the late 19th century (between 1870 and 1880, according to the Buildings of Ireland records). This was during the era of horse-drawn trams, and the building would have housed and serviced these early forms of public transport.

Electrification and modernisation: With the electrification of the tram lines in the late 1890s and early 1900s, Clontarf Garage would have undergone modifications to accommodate the new electric trams. This likely included the installation of electrical infrastructure, such as the transformer we discussed elsewhere [also featured in one of this set of images].

Transition to buses: As trams gradually gave way to buses in the mid-20th century, the garage transitioned into its current role as a bus depot. It continues to serve as an important hub for Dublin Bus operations today.

Architectural significance: Clontarf Garage is a listed building, recognised for its historical and architectural significance. It stands as a reminder of the evolution of public transport in Dublin and the city’s industrial heritage.

Key features and facts:

Officially named “Dublin Bus Clontarf Garage”
Located at 239-243 Clontarf Road, Dublin 3
Registered with the Buildings of Ireland (Reg No. 50030113)
Serves as a depot for Dublin Bus, housing and maintaining buses
Historically significant as a former tram depot
Beyond the practical: Clontarf Garage is more than just a functional building. It’s a landmark in the local community and a symbol of how transport has shaped the development of Clontarf. It’s also a place where generations of Dublin Bus drivers and staff have worked, contributing to the city’s transport network.

A HISTORIC STATION CONNECTING THE PAST WITH THE PRESENT

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CARLOW TRAIN STATION

Carlow Train Station: A Historic Hub Connecting Past and Present

Carlow Train Station, situated in the heart of Carlow Town, is a vital transport link and a landmark steeped in history. The station first opened its doors in 1846, as part of the Great Southern and Western Railway’s expansion, ushering in an era of improved connectivity for the region.

Over the decades, Carlow Station has witnessed significant transformations. The original station building, a charming example of Victorian architecture, has been lovingly preserved and now houses the station’s ticket office and waiting area. The station’s platforms and facilities have also been modernised to meet the demands of 21st-century travel.

Today, Carlow Station serves as a key stop on the Dublin-Waterford intercity route, connecting the town to major cities and facilitating both commuter and leisure travel. It’s also a popular gateway for exploring the scenic beauty of County Carlow and its surroundings.

The station’s popularity remains strong, with thousands of passengers passing through its doors each year. Its central location, convenient access to local amenities, and regular train services make it an attractive option for both residents and visitors.

Whether you’re embarking on a journey to Dublin, Waterford, or simply exploring the delights of Carlow Town, Carlow Train Station is a welcoming and well-connected transport hub. It stands as a testament to the enduring importance of rail travel in Ireland and the ongoing efforts to enhance passenger experience and connectivity throughout the country.

MILLTOWN LUAS TRAM STOP

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FRIDAY 23 AUGUST 2024

The LUAS Milltown Tram Stop is a vital transportation hub in Dublin, situated on the Green Line and serving the Milltown area and the southern parts of Dartry, including Trinity Hall. It offers convenient access to various attractions and amenities in the vicinity.

The Dropping Well pub: A historic pub located just beside the tram stop, offering a traditional Irish atmosphere and a selection of drinks and food.
The Milltown rhinoceros sculpture: An intriguing and mysterious life-sized bronze rhinoceros statue standing proudly on a plinth in the River Dodder, adjacent to the bridge.
Dodder River Walk: A scenic walkway along the banks of the River Dodder, perfect for leisurely strolls or cycling.
Milltown Park: A large public park with sports facilities, playgrounds, and open green spaces, ideal for relaxation and recreation.

The S4 bus route also serves the Milltown Tram Stop, providing additional connectivity to other parts of Dublin. The S4 route operates between Liffey Valley Shopping Centre and UCD, passing through various key areas along the way.

History of the stop on the Harcourt Street Railway Line:

The Milltown Luas stop is located near the site of the former Milltown railway station, which was part of the Harcourt Street railway line that served Bray from 1854 to 1958. The original Milltown station was added as an infill station in 1860 and was situated on an embankment north of Milltown Road. The main station building was on the Dublin-bound platform, and a footbridge allowed passengers to cross the tracks. The closure of the Harcourt Street line in 1958 marked the end of an era for rail travel in this part of Dublin. However, the opening of the Luas Green Line in 2004, reusing the alignment of the old railway line, has revitalised the area and provided a modern and efficient transport link.

A VERY DISTINCTIVE RED TRAM PROMOTING KFC

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AN EXAMPLE OF FULL BODY ADVERTISING REFERRED TO AS WRAPPING

Advertising on trams, including full body wraps like the KFC promotion shown in some of my photographs, is quite common in Dublin and many other cities around the world. It’s a popular form of out-of-home advertising due to the high visibility and reach it offers. Trams travel through busy areas and are seen by a large number of people, making them effective advertising platforms.

The technique used to apply full body advertisements on trams is called “wrapping.” It involves:

Design: The advertisement is designed to fit the specific dimensions of the tram, ensuring it covers the entire body seamlessly.
Printing: The design is printed on a large, high-quality vinyl material using specialised printers.

Preparation: The tram is thoroughly cleaned and any existing advertisements are removed.

Application: The vinyl wrap is carefully applied to the tram’s body, ensuring it adheres properly and there are no air bubbles or wrinkles. This process requires skilled technicians and specialised tools.

Finishing: The edges of the wrap are trimmed and sealed to ensure a smooth and professional finish.

The process of removing a full body advertisement is relatively straightforward. The vinyl wrap is peeled off, and any adhesive residue is cleaned off the tram. The tram is then ready for a new advertisement or its original livery.

The frequency of these full-body advertising campaigns can vary depending on the advertiser and the contract with the transport company. Some campaigns might last for a few weeks, while others might run for several months.