HEADLESS SOUTH OF THE RIVER

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

2025

SCOIL TREASA NAOFA O’DONOVAN ROAD – PETRIE ROAD DUBLIN 8

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY INFOMATIQUE APRIL 2025

SCOIL TREASA NAOFA, located at the intersection of O’Donovan Road and Petrie Road in Dublin 8, stands as a testament to the educational development of the early 20th century in the Fairbrothers Fields area. Despite subsequent expansions to accommodate the growing community, the school has remarkably preserved much of its original architectural charm.

The facade, while predominantly simple in its design, is significantly enhanced by a well-defined entrance bay and intricate decorative plasterwork, adding a touch of visual interest and character. This thoughtful detailing speaks to the architectural sensibilities of the period.

Like numerous primary schools established in the early decades of the twentieth century across Ireland, Scoil Treasa Naofa had its origins as a boys’ school under the stewardship of the esteemed Christian Brothers. Their dedication to education played a crucial role in shaping the lives of countless young boys in the locality.

The establishment of the school was intrinsically linked to the substantial residential development that transformed Fairbrothers Fields in the 1920s. Recognising the burgeoning population, the Archdiocese of Dublin commissioned the construction of Scoil Treasa Naofa to serve the educational needs of the increasing number of families settling in the area.

The architectural vision for the school came from the Dublin-based architect John Joseph Robinson, a prominent figure in ecclesiastical design at the time. As the founder of Robinson & Keefe Architects, which later evolved into the well-regarded firm Robinson, Keefe & Devane, Robinson left an indelible mark on the cityscape through his numerous commissions for the Roman Catholic Church. His design for Scoil Treasa Naofa reflects the prevailing architectural trends of the era for educational institutions, emphasising functionality while incorporating elements of aesthetic appeal. The school stands as a tangible link to the past, illustrating the commitment to education and community development that characterised Dublin in the early 20th century.

EXPLORING BROOKFIELD ROAD NOW DOMINATED BY THE NEW CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

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22 FEBRUARY 2025

Brookfield Road, formerly known as Patriotic Terrace, holds a fascinating place in Dublin’s history, connecting the revolutionary past with the future of children’s healthcare. This connection is exemplified by the presence of the new Children’s Hospital and the historical significance of number 8 Brookfield Road, the former residence of William Patrick Partridge (1874-1917).

Partridge, a prominent trade unionist, revolutionary socialist, and member of James Connolly’s Irish Citizen Army, lived at number 3 Patriotic Terrace. Over time, the street was renumbered following the construction of an additional house at the beginning of the terrace. Consequently, Partridge’s former residence became number 8 Brookfield Road.

Partridge’s role in the 1916 Easter Rising cemented his place in Irish history. His involvement with the Irish Citizen Army and his later service as a Dublin City Councillor demonstrate his commitment to social justice and Irish independence.

The name change from Patriotic Terrace to Brookfield Road and the renumbering of the houses reflect the street’s evolution. While the precise dates of these changes require further research, they likely occurred during the 20th century as Dublin expanded.

Today, Brookfield Road is dominated by the construction of the new Children’s Hospital. This ambitious project aims to consolidate services from Dublin’s three existing children’s hospitals – Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street, and the National Children’s Hospital – into a single, state-of-the-art facility. The consolidation aims to improve efficiency, streamline care, and provide a wider range of specialised services. The outdated facilities of the existing hospitals necessitated this new, purpose-built institution, deemed a national priority for children’s healthcare.

The hospital project, one of the largest healthcare projects in Irish history, has faced numerous challenges. Its scale and complexity, including the integration of specialised services and the need for cutting-edge technology, have contributed to cost overruns, largely due to unforeseen issues such as construction challenges, design changes, contractual disputes, and inflation. These factors have also caused significant delays.

The hospital is being built on land transferred from St. James’s Hospital, offering potential benefits through shared resources like infrastructure, support services, and occasionally, specialised equipment. Formal agreements will govern the extent of this resource sharing.

Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) is responsible for the hospital’s clinical and operational aspects, while the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) oversees the design, construction, and equipping. A community benefit programme aims to ensure the local community benefits from the hospital’s presence.

Despite the challenges, the new Children’s Hospital remains a crucial investment in the future of Irish children’s health. The consolidation of services, modern facilities, and potential collaboration with St. James’s Hospital promise to improve care for children and families nationwide.