HEADLESS SOUTH OF THE RIVER

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

William Murphy

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 โ€“ Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street, and the National Children’s Hospital โ€“ 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.

28 BROOKFIELD ROAD IN KILMAINHAM IS A HISTORIC COTTAGE IN THE SHADOW OF A HUGE NEW HOSPITAL

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY WILLIAM MURPHY USING A SONY FX30

This charming, attached three-bay, single-storey cottage with attic accommodation, dating back to approximately 1780, stands at 28 Brookfield Road, Kilmainham. A recent glazed sun-room addition to the rear (north-east) elevation complements the original structure. The cottage features a pitched slate roof, complete with a rendered chimneystack, coping, and cast-iron rainwater goods. Clay ridge tiles and painted rubble stone walls contribute to its unique character. Square-headed window openings, framed by masonry lintels and granite sills, house timber frame windows. A square-headed door opening leads to the front, featuring a timber battened door opening onto a granite step.

This modest vernacular dwelling represents a traditional architectural style increasingly scarce in urban environments. It retains much of its original form and fabric, with its small windows and high roof-pitch more reminiscent of rural than urban residences. The painted rubble stone walls, which would originally have been whitewashed, offer a delightful contrast to the prevalent red brick of the street, making it a distinctive feature of the streetscape. However, this historic cottage now faces a dramatic change to its surroundings. Brookfield Road and its immediate environs are currently undergoing a significant transformation with the construction of the vast new Children’s Hospital, a project nearing completion. This imposing development will undoubtedly dominate the landscape, significantly altering the character of Brookfield Road and casting a long shadow, both literally and figuratively, over this small piece of Dublin’s architectural heritage.

EXPLORING A UNIQUE SECTION OF THE LUAS RED LINE

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THE GRASS SECTION BETWEEN THE SUIR ROAD STOP AND THE RIALTO STOP

I visited the area as I wanted to explore the new Children’s Hospital.

From Canal to Rail: The story begins with the Grand Canal, a vital 18th and 19th-century transport network. James’s Street Harbour, a bustling hub connected to Guinness’s operations, was a key part of this system. However, the canal system declined due to the rise of railways, which offered faster and more efficient transport. Ironically, sections of these very canals, including the one connected to James’s Street Harbour, were later filled in. Now, history has come full circle: the LUAS Red Line, a 21st-century light rail system, utilises the path of this filled-in canal, demonstrating how old transport corridors can be repurposed for new technologies.

The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of Transport: We see a clear pattern: canals gave way to railways, which in turn faced competition from road transport. The wheel turns again as cities now grapple with traffic congestion and seek more sustainable solutions. Light rail, like the LUAS, re-emerges as a viable option, often utilising existing rights-of-wayโ€”in this case, the old canal route.

The Children’s Hospital Connection: Adding another layer to this historical tapestry, the new Children’s Hospital is located on land associated with the original James’s Street area, near the old harbour. This means that the land, once a hub for canal traffic connected to Guinness and other industries, is now home to a major medical facility served by a modern light rail system running along the path of the old canal.

A Full Circle: This sequence of events is a powerful illustration of how urban landscapes evolve. A transport system (canals) becomes obsolete, its infrastructure is repurposed, and then, a new transport system (light rail) reuses that repurposed land. The location of the Children’s Hospital on land associated with the old James’s Street Harbour further emphasises this cycle of change and adaptation. It’s a testament to how cities constantly reinvent themselves, often building the future on the foundations of the past.

THE WIND SHELTERS AND THE BANDSTAND ALONG CLONTARF PROMENADE

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REMAIN AS A TRIBUTE TO HERBERT SIMMS

ERROR THIS IS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE LIFFEY

Clontarf promenade is home to a series of remarkable wind shelters and a bandstand, all designed by the influential architect Herbert Simms. These structures, built between 1955 and 1958, are not only functional, providing respite from the elements, but also serve as striking examples of modernist design.

The Wind Shelters:

There are eight freestanding reinforced concrete shelters dotted along the promenade.
Each shelter features a curved concrete roof and walls, with integrated concrete benches providing seating.
They have distinctive round openings to the east and west, allowing for views and ventilation, and two diamond or round openings at the back.
The shelters are considered iconic structures, emblematic of Dublin’s urban landscape.

The Bandstand:

This circular structure, also constructed from reinforced concrete, boasts a unique design.
Its most notable feature is the cantilevered roof, supported by a central column.
While currently fenced off due to structural concerns, it remains a beloved landmark.

Herbert Simms (1898-1948):

Simms was a prominent Dublin City Architect who played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s landscape during the 1930s and 1940s.
He is best known for his work on social housing projects, including the iconic Dublin flat complexes.
Simms’ designs were heavily influenced by the modernist movement, evident in the clean lines and functional aesthetic of the Clontarf structures.
His work often incorporated innovative use of materials like reinforced concrete, as seen in the shelters and bandstand.
Simms’ legacy extends beyond individual buildings; he championed the idea of public amenities and green spaces as integral parts of urban planning.

The wind shelters and bandstand on Clontarf promenade are not merely architectural curiosities; they are testaments to Simms’ vision of a city where form and function coexist, and where public spaces are designed to enhance the lives of its citizens. These structures, now under consideration for protected status, stand as a reminder of Dublin’s rich architectural heritage and the enduring impact of Herbert Simms.