When I first photographed this in July it was a work in progress and no information was available and the artwork was only black and white.
Superb new artwork ‘Dublin’s Motion’ by Siberian artist & graphic design student Elizaveta Tolmacheva. Artwork located at Weaver Park, Liberties, Dublin 8.
Weaver Park is theW first purpose built Public Park in The Liberties area in over a century; a major step forward for Dublin City Council in addressing the deficit of quality green active amenity space providing outdoor recreational opportunities for the local community of Dublin 8 and further afield. There are a multitude of uses provided for within the park design, including grassed lawns, a terrace onto Cork St., an enclosed play area, a picnic space, a skate park, extensive seating along internal walls and perimeter zones with tree planting, mounding and play features. The central lawn accommodates small scale active and passive uses on a day to day basis but can also provide the space for larger events such as markets, parties, exhibitions and performances. Weaver Park was officially opened on the 2nd October 2017.It has to date proved to be a highly valued and much used space by all age groups.
It is a one way street but there is no sign of a bicycle lane despite the fact that there is a DublinBikes Docking Station at one end.
Here is an extract from the mission statement: “Francis Street Environmental Improvement Scheme aims to upgrade the public realm of this key part of Dublin’s street heritage through the realignment of the street and footpaths. The main aims and objectives of the Francis Street Environmental Improvement Scheme include providing a more pedestrian-friendly environment along the street, improving the environment for vulnerable road users (pedestrians and bike users) and providing a safe environment for people of all ages and all levels of physical ability, by providing designated crossing areas.”
I cannot that FrancisStreet has been, effectively, a building site for at least six years and while I was lead to believe that all work would be, according to the most recent updates, completed by completed by now but there has been little sign of progress since my last visit.
In July 2021 Dublin City Council published the following Tweet: “Work on the Francis St Environmental Improvement Scheme is set to start on Mon 5th July. When completed, the scheme will provide wider footpaths, new granite paved public spaces to the front of the Iveagh Market & St Nicholas de Myra Church. 20 new trees & landscaped areas, new street furniture, and the reorganisation of car parking and loading on the street. The project will take 10 months to complete. #Dublin #YourCouncilDay”.
Previously I read the following: “With a strong emphasis on pedestrians, the plan envisages widened pavements and new threshold spaces to the front of the Iveagh Market and St Nicholas de Myra Church. The current awkward widening and narrowing of the carriageway will give way to a consistent width and measures to reduce speeds and allow for more relaxed cycling and easier crossing. Changes to car parking and loading arrangements, 20 new street trees and landscaped areas, sustainable urban drainage measures (SUDs), new street lighting, street furniture and utilities will all serve to create a much improved street and establish Francis Street as a destination.” At the time I did not notice that there was no mention of bicycle lanes.