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Dublin Castle installing concrete "pedestrian" defences

2

Comments

  • #32
    MadsL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,299 ✭✭✭✭MadsL


    A Disgrace wrote: »
    A couple of large boxed plants would work better, and be removed when required or some chained granite bollards (preferably historic ones which I'm sure the Council have in storage somewhere) would integrate with the surroundings

    Oh God, don't give them ideas! They have hundreds of those plants in pallets.
    I have no faith in DCC - they have picked away at this city and left it the absoulte mess that it is now.

    Look down when next you are standing on historic granite pavements, in situ for well over 200 years. The utter mess left by DCC in 'maintaining' these pavements cost Dublin a place as a World Heritage City some years ago. DCC plough on blindly ripping out and butchering such pavements, this being the latest example. The problem is that a only a handful of people complain and so they continue to allow Roads and Traffic to run Dublin. The city is run by engineers not planners. :mad:
    Dublin needs a directly elected Mayor with regulatory powers. Someone with a keen interest in this city itself, and preferably a Dubliner.

    +1 It is beyond time.

    In the meantime please email Councillors and the Lord Mayor on this. Or jim.keogan@dublincity.ie Boss of Planning.


  • #33
    A Disgrace
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 865 ✭✭✭A Disgrace


    MadsL wrote: »
    Couple of Councillors I emailed got this response from the Asst City Manager

    Temporary things have a habit of becoming permanent in this city, and considering they already have the traffic barriers in front of it anyway, I don't buy his response.

    In fact, people will still walk in front of it anyway, as it is set well back from the traditional pedistrian stream. It's obviously a flagpost stand, so why didn't he just say that? Werid.


  • #34
    P_1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,681 ✭✭✭✭P_1


    Yeah, if the concrete is to protect pedestrians then having it where it is isn't going to do much protecting


  • #35
    MadsL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,299 ✭✭✭✭MadsL


    Mr Whirly wrote: »
    Cars can still turn there but now they are forced to pay attention when swinging in. It's easily the most dangerous crossing in the city centre. Not an ideal solution but better than the nonsense that was happening there.

    Pedestrianise it and put a Garda vehicle in it for two weeks. Ticket anyone caught driving into it unless they have cause for access, are on State business or parking permit for Dublin Castle. Problem solved.

    On what basis is it "the most dangerous crossing in the city centre"? I'm sure there are worse, after all DCC managed to put this idiocy up. http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=56480271


  • #36
    A Disgrace
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 865 ✭✭✭A Disgrace


    MadsL wrote: »

    Look down when next you are standing on historic granite pavements, in situ for well over 200 years. The utter mess left by DCC in 'maintaining' these pavements cost Dublin a place as a World Heritage City some years ago.

    DCC plough on blindly ripping out and butchering such pavements, this being the latest example

    The way Dublin is lately, I try to walk around with my eyes shut as much as possible. The removal of the footpath slabs in particular is a big bugbear of mine. The few remaining stretches, whilst showing signs of aging, are still pretty much in better condition than the concrete and cheap chinese granite ones they've laid over the last 20 years (especially the ones in this area)

    They simply don't care


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  • #37
    Morag
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 8,450 ✭✭✭Morag


    Is something to stop fecking taxi drivers doing a U turn on top of people trying to cross the road?


  • #38
    Wossack
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,934 ✭✭✭Wossack


    P_1 wrote: »
    Yeah, if the concrete is to protect pedestrians then having it where it is isn't going to do much protecting

    quite the opposite I'd have thought.. wouldnt fancy being between a 30-40kph car and that concrete


  • #39
    MadsL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,299 ✭✭✭✭MadsL


    A Disgrace wrote: »
    Temporary things have a habit of becoming permanent in this city, and considering they already have the traffic barriers in front of it anyway, I don't buy his response.

    In fact, people will still walk in front of it anyway, as it is set well back from the traditional pedistrian stream. It's obviously a flagpost stand, so why didn't he just say that? Werid.

    And there are three flagpoles on top of City Hall, numerous flagpoles at Dublin Castle. Quite why more are needed is beyond me.

    DCC have fcked up the other entrance to the Castle now seem intent on ruining the other.

    Clueless.

    As to a guess on the cost of this I have to quote from Archiseek, my more knowledgeable co-objectors on the staggering cost of "bollard works".

    What a load of bollards!
    A recent FOI request by an Archiseek regular uncovered that works to erect a row of bollards along the western part of Parnell Square viewtopic.php?f=49&t=3777&start=125 in 2011 cost in the region of €20k and that the average bollard costs €150-€200.

    Nerdy me counted the number on Dame Street after the recent street improvements/ reinforcement of status quo late last year and I counted approx 250....thats 50k worth of bollards alone. No money for seats on the street for the elderly, no money for improved and attractive street lighting, no money for trees, no money for planting, no money to make an effort to rein in the vomit of signage and unauthorised crap that is accumulating on the street these past few months....but €50k to waste on bollards and another €10k (I assume) to waste on this rubbish.

    Your City: Your Space be damned... perhaps Your Space: Our Waste is more apt

    http://www.archiseek.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=8009&p=117181#p117181


  • #40
    Mr Whirly
    Closed Accounts Posts: 689 ✭✭✭Mr Whirly


    MadsL wrote: »
    Pedestrianise it and put a Garda vehicle in it for two weeks. Ticket anyone caught driving into it unless they have cause for access, are on State business or parking permit for Dublin Castle. Problem solved.

    On what basis is it "the most dangerous crossing in the city centre"? I'm sure there are worse, after all DCC managed to put this idiocy up. http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=56480271

    Ah yeah. As I said it's not ideal but it's better than nothing. I'd be all for it being pedestrianised. Considering what they did to the green area that was there they could do with making up for it a bit.

    The amount of drunk people walking up towards Christchurch coupled with the chaos created by taxi drivers along there make it a fairly lethal crossing if you ask me.


  • #41
    Hootanany
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,479 ✭✭✭Hootanany


    They could have put a couple of old Cannons bolted down where the concrete is,It would have blended in nicely and done the same job at fraction of the cost.


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  • #42
    MadsL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,299 ✭✭✭✭MadsL


    So DCC just published and ratified the "Public Realm Strategy" in September.
    The legacy of Dublin’s public heritage must be protected, maintained, and integrated with respect into contemporary requirements. The design quality of new proposals or upgrade works is the first step in achieving a high quality public realm and should allow for the input of the general public along with all other stakeholders.

    and yet...

    Head of Planning determines that "The extent of the works and there purpose deemed them to be exempt from requring planning consent. "

    No public process nor any need to inform Councillors. :mad:

    Do they even read the stuff they print?


  • #43
    MadsL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,299 ✭✭✭✭MadsL


    So I just got an email letting me know that there will be a motion at the next Council Meeting calling for the removal of this " structure" and that it was and is inappropriate and should be removed forthwith.

    Paul Clerkin of Archiseek describes it as The Tomb of the Unknown Gurrier :D


  • #44
    shed head
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 196 ✭✭shed head


    are you all crazy, this is perfect for me and my trials bike - big up DCC :)


  • #45
    hames
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 295 ✭✭hames


    Some perspective here maybe

    (i) it is a temporary structure

    (ii) this can be a very dangerous pedestrian crossing, which is obscured on one side by the protrusion of City Hall relative to the crossing.


  • #46
    recylingbin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,001 ✭✭✭recylingbin


    I think the yellow steel sets the grey off, if anything. It's the juxtaposition of the old with the new that intrigues.


  • #47
    MadsL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,299 ✭✭✭✭MadsL


    hames wrote: »
    Some perspective here maybe

    (i) it is a temporary structure

    (ii) this can be a very dangerous pedestrian crossing, which is obscured on one side by the protrusion of City Hall relative to the crossing.

    And the perspective would also be:

    (i) Ban cars from entering unless on official business, which prevents the "problem" of taxis using it as a turn-around. Problem solved for the cost of a no entry sign. Yes, this is temporary...and also a temporary waste of money; whilst we still have no decent street lighting in Westmoreland St. for example.

    (ii) Very dangerous? Any real information, has anyone been seriously injured or hurt there.

    (iii) DCC seem happy enough to block car sightlines on the Camden St crossing with JC Decaux ads.


  • #48
    hames
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 295 ✭✭hames


    MadsL wrote: »
    And the perspective would also be:

    (i) Ban cars from entering unless on official business, which prevents the "problem" of taxis using it as a turn-around. Problem solved for the cost of a no entry sign. Yes, this is temporary...and also a temporary waste of money; whilst we still have no decent street lighting in Westmoreland St. for example.

    Seriously man crank much?

    You've about six posts in this page alone aboiut a temporary structure, presumably for the duration of the Presidency with lots of people using the street. I think most people who use the area accept this is one of the least safe crossings in the area. There are no lights and the crossing is almost blind on one side.

    I don't think the barrier is beautiful, and was opposed to it until I realised it is temporary. But I don't think it's particularly comment worthy beyond this post.

    Good day to you!


  • #49
    MadsL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,299 ✭✭✭✭MadsL


    hames wrote: »
    Seriously man crank much?

    How I about I put the cost of it at about €15,000 - do you think that is good value?
    You've about six posts in this page alone aboiut a temporary structure,
    I know, sorry about that. I've been busy, I would have posted more.

    Tell me more about the "quota" on how much I post on my own thread?
    presumably for the duration of the Presidency with lots of people using the street. I think most people who use the area accept this is one of the least safe crossings in the area. There are no lights and the crossing is almost blind on one side.

    And yet nothing has been done til now because we need some flagpoles. Hmm.
    I don't think the barrier is beautiful, and was opposed to it until I realised it is temporary.

    So is dog shit on the street. Doesn't make it acceptable.
    But I don't think it's particularly comment worthy beyond this post.

    Good day to you!

    And yet here you are, commenting. The Ironing is strong in this one.


  • #50
    markpb
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 9,476 ✭✭✭markpb


    hames wrote: »
    Some perspective here maybe

    (i) it is a temporary structure

    (ii) this can be a very dangerous pedestrian crossing, which is obscured on one side by the protrusion of City Hall relative to the crossing.

    1. Even temporary structures can be done properly, in keeping with their surroundings.

    2. If this junction is so dangerous, why wasn't it fixes ages ago? Presumably it took some mutterings from an EU executive to get DCC to fix it. If it's been dangerous for so long, why not take some extra time to fix it properly.


    Every time DCC do something like this to the historic parts of Dublin, the only question you can ask is: would this happen in a historic part of London or Paris? Would they dump a lump of concrete in front of a building that is hundreds of years ago and claim it'll be okay when the flags pop up their heads in spring?


  • #51
    MadsL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,299 ✭✭✭✭MadsL


    Flagpoles will be up tomorrow. Dublin <3 flags! :rolleyes:


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  • #52
    neGev
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 812 ✭✭✭neGev


    Received this reply from the Lord Mayor's office yesterday:
    The matter of the concrete bollards on Castle Street was raised at the last City Council Meeting and the Manager issued the following reply:
    Traffic bollards have been placed at the junction of Dame St and Cork Hill to provide more protection to pedestrians. City Hall is on the Dubline walk from Trinity to Kilmainham and the left turn from Parliament St can be very busy, the bollards provide a traffic calming measure.

    Dublin City Council has placed a concrete structured behind the bollards as the council felt a strong visual block was also necessary. This structure is temporary and will include three flagpoles. Dublin City Council will address access to City Hall and the council’s Rates Offices through a Part VIII planning application shortly which will incorporate the permanent proposals for this area. The council anticipates that this application will go before the Elected Members in summer 2013 at the earliest.



    I trust that this will address your concerns.


  • #53
    HeidiHeidi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 33,615 ✭✭✭✭HeidiHeidi


    This has finally made it onto da Lahvline - is it someone from this thread??


  • #54
    webwayz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 75 ✭✭webwayz


    Who was responsible for this - it is ugly beside the City Hall and entrance to Dublin Castle it seems pointless since I seen taxis just swerve around it,.
    It probably cost some money to erect this lump of concrete...
    remove it now!


  • #55
    MadsL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,299 ✭✭✭✭MadsL


    I have asked councillors to enquire as to the cost of this. They have gone silent, but I think we could say easily €10-15k at a minimum.

    Email your councillor here.

    http://www.dublincity.ie/YourCouncil/Councillors/YourLocalCouncillors/Pages/FindYourLocalCouncillorsHome.aspx


  • #56
    rolliepoley
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,871 ✭✭✭rolliepoley


    It wont belong now till the winos start kipping in behind this.


  • #57
    MadsL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,299 ✭✭✭✭MadsL


    If the flagpoles are up could someone post a pic please? Also did cobblestones get taken out for this if anyone is passing...pics also appreciated.

    Many thanks


  • #58
    hames
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 295 ✭✭hames


    THe flagpoles are up.

    i waked by it last night. bit inebriated,

    but it looked quite nice at the time.

    but denuded of flags.

    Maybe it was the beer goggles.

    it seemed a most pleasant erection


  • #59
    MadsL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,299 ✭✭✭✭MadsL


    hames wrote: »
    it seemed a most pleasant erection

    And yet you were still walking easily... ;)


  • #60
    KTRIC
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,346 ✭✭✭KTRIC


    I passed it this evening and stood across the road, battery was too low to take a pic. It absolutely destroys the view of the gate to the castle. :(


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  • #61
    Pottler
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,073 ✭✭✭Pottler


    I'm just raging they didn't let us quote for doing the concreting, I'd have done it for half the money, easily:mad:


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