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Development proposals re-imagine north Dublin

The 'Reimagine Dublin One' programme has taken on the task of making the business core around Hen...
Newstalk
Newstalk

10.29 14 Mar 2017


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Development proposals re-imagi...

Development proposals re-imagine north Dublin

Newstalk
Newstalk

10.29 14 Mar 2017


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The 'Reimagine Dublin One' programme has taken on the task of making the business core around Henry St and O'Connell St more appealing for shoppers.

It's a joint project being led by the business group DublinTown, the Dublin City Architects’ Framework Project, and the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

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This is the AIA's first project outside of North America - it presented a conceptual vision of how north inner city Dublin could be reimagined to the Lord Mayor of Dublin Brendan Carr last night.

While the high streets and shopping centres are a hit with the public, the area is perceived as needing more independent shops and restaurant options.

In areas such as Caple St, Liffey St, Parnel St and the north quays, there are clusters of popular shops and restaurants - but there is a problem with the junctions between the main thoroughfares and these areas, as they are uninviting and often poorly lit - meaning that many people don't stray too far from the 'high street.'

Part of the plan to breathe fresh life into the area into the area is to rework and brighten up ignored connecting streets and laneways.

Elsewhere - it recommends that introducing more colour and seating to make D1 more inviting.

This includes the creation of more leisure spaces - including this mock-up of a play area in a space on Jervis St which features a rough sleeper's tent in the 'before' image.

It envisages Henry St being brightened up by adding seating and natural elements.

Is also suggests that leisure activities and additional seating could be added to the North quays.

The report believes that a long boarded-up building facing onto Grattan should be made to look more inviting at this crucial connection between the tourist-heavy west end of Temple Bar and D1.

It also found that areas like Wolfe Tone Square are being under-utilised and says it should be redeveloped.

One obstacle that the area faces is a high level of drug abuse and homelessness. This map from the report shows where instances of rough sleeping (on the right) are most common - and where needles have been found (on the left):

 

 

Joel Mills from the AIA joined The Pat Kenny Show this morning - when asked about how these issues can be overcome he said that as the area's poorly lit lanes and a high level of vacant space are adding to existing social problems.

He added that sometimes, the "small things are as important as the big things" and that introducing achievable (even cosmetic) changes can build "momentum" and play a part in enacting change.

Development proposals re-imagine north Dublin

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Mr Mills believes that the area has massive potential to showcase the "real" Dublin and to highlight both the city's diversity and its cultural heritage.


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