THE HEADLESS PHOTO BLOG

A FUSION OF ART HERITAGE AND URBAN REGENERATION

GRAND CANAL TRANSFORMATION AUGUST 2025 [A FUSION OF ART HERITAGE AND URBAN REGENERATION]

A significant urban regeneration project has breathed new life into a stretch of Dublin’s Grand Canal, enhancing its appeal for both residents and visitors. A public-private partnership between Waterways Ireland and IPUT Real Estate Dublin has led to a comprehensive upgrade of the canal path between Leeson Street Bridge and Baggot Street Bridge. The project, which has been in the planning stages since 2021 and commenced last January, has revitalised the area, balancing improved accessibility and public amenity with the protection of the canal’s unique biodiversity and rich cultural heritage.

One of the most notable additions is the installation of a new sculpture, Man on Trestle, by the acclaimed Armagh-born artist, Carolyn Mulholland. Positioned at the Leeson Street Bridge entrance, the bronze sculpture welcomes visitors to the newly developed path, which is now significantly wider than the two narrower paths it replaced. The project has also incorporated a mix of contemporary seating and nine meticulously restored original cast-iron benches, providing ample opportunities for people to pause and appreciate the scenic views.

The canal’s rich heritage is celebrated not only through the new works but also through the careful conservation of existing features. The iconic Patrick Kavanagh statue, a beloved landmark by sculptor John Coll, was preserved throughout the project and now stands on a new granite base.

The Artists: Carolyn Mulholland and John Coll

The juxtaposition of sculptures by Carolyn Mulholland and John Coll along this rejuvenated stretch of the Grand Canal offers a fascinating dialogue between two distinct artistic voices. Both artists have made significant contributions to public art in Ireland, yet their styles and subjects differ.

Carolyn Mulholland is celebrated for her powerful, often monumental, bronze sculptures that frequently explore the human form and its relationship with the environment. Her work is characterised by a strong sense of line and form, and a deeply expressive quality. Man on Trestle is a prime example of her approach, capturing a moment of everyday labour and reflection, and adding a contemporary layer to the canal’s history. Mulholland, whose works are featured in prominent collections across Ireland and beyond, has a reputation for creating pieces that are both physically robust and emotionally resonant.

In contrast, John Coll is widely known for his figurative sculptures that often depict historical or literary figures with a powerful sense of realism and character. His most famous work, the Patrick Kavanagh statue, captures the essence of the poet in a thoughtful, everyday pose, sitting contemplatively on a bench. The sculpture is less about grandiosity and more about intimate observation, inviting a connection between the public and the literary figure it honours. Coll’s ability to imbue his subjects with personality and a sense of place has made his work a cherished part of Dublin’s urban landscape. The preservation of his statue in this project underscores its enduring significance as a cultural landmark.

Biodiversity and Heritage at the Forefront

The project has been praised by Waterways Ireland for its commitment to environmental stewardship. The landscaping works have prioritised the unique biodiversity of the area with a focus on native tree planting. Additional measures have been implemented to protect and enhance habitats for urban wildlife, including otters and bats, which thrive in this canal environment.

John McDonagh, Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland, commented that the project “enhances a much-loved part of the Grand Canal, balancing improved accessibility and amenity with the protection of biodiversity and heritage.” He added that feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and the works will be enjoyed by both Dubliners and visitors for many years to come.

The canal is one of the city’s busiest pedestrian routes, with counters recording some of the highest footfall in Dublin. This is expected to increase further with the opening of nearby office developments, which will bring up to 5,000 new workers to the area.

A Note on Etymology: “The Straight and Narrow”

During the project’s completion, a tourist guide from “Splash Tours” was overheard incorrectly attributing the phrase “the straight and narrow” to the path followed by barge ponies along the canal. While the guides provide an entertaining experience, their historical claims should not always be taken as fact. The expression, in fact, has a biblical origin. It is a misquotation of the phrase “strait is the gate, and narrow is the way” from Matthew 7:14 in the King James Version of the Bible. The term refers to a path of morally upright or virtuous conduct. The subtle but important distinction between “straight” (without bends) and “strait” (meaning narrow or constricted) is key to understanding its true meaning.

30 JULY 2025 – PHOTOGRAPHED USING A SONY A1 II

The Ashtown and Pelletstown Railway Stations

Ashtown is served by two distinct railway stations: the older Ashtown station and the newer Pelletstown station.

Ashtown station, which opened in 1902, is the more historic of the two. It was originally part of the Midland Great Western Railway. A key feature of this station is its long-standing level crossing, which has been a source of both traffic congestion and safety concerns. The ongoing DART+ West project is set to bring significant changes, including the potential removal of the level crossing and its replacement with a new footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as general station upgrades to accommodate the future DART service.

In contrast, Pelletstown station is a modern addition, having opened in September 2021. Its development was a direct response to the large-scale residential projects in the area, such as Royal Canal Park, and was funded by the National Transport Authority and development levies. This new station includes a footbridge over the Royal Canal, which has significantly improved connectivity for the surrounding communities and provided new access to the Royal Canal Greenway.

Anti-Social Behaviour and Safety Concerns

Both stations and the areas around them have faced issues with anti-social behaviour and safety, particularly for pedestrians travelling at night.

Pelletstown station has been a specific focal point for these problems since its opening. Public records and community discussions have highlighted reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage at the station and on its new pedestrian and cycle bridge. Concerns about these issues have been raised at a national level, with discussions in the Oireachtas about the need for measures to address the problem.

The safety of the walk from the Broombridge Luas tram stop to either Pelletstown or Ashtown is also a significant concern, especially at night. While a new walking and cycling route, the Royal Canal Greenway, connects these areas, the path is often described by residents as feeling isolated and poorly lit after dark. This is a common issue for many urban greenways and can create a sense of unease. For this reason, the journey between the stations and the Luas stop is often considered impractical by train; walking, despite the safety concerns, is often the more direct option, as the train journey is extremely short and would involve waiting for a service.

The long walk from Broombridge to Ashtown along the canal path shares similar safety concerns, which are amplified by the longer distance. Residents have previously reported feeling unsafe due to the lack of adequate public lighting and the desolate nature of parts of the route during the night.

In summary, while the new Pelletstown station has been a boon for local transport, it has also brought with it issues of anti-social behaviour. At the same time, the older Ashtown station is set for upgrades to improve safety. For all residents, the safety of walking along the connecting routes, particularly at night, remains a significant and ongoing concern that is hoped to be addressed by future infrastructural improvements.