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.
The eagerly awaited refurbishment of Francis Street in The Liberties is still a work in progress which is a bit disappointing. In July 2021 it was indicated that the project would be completed within ten months however more recent statements claim that the work will be completed by Autumn 2022. I will be surprised if the project will be completed before Christmas.
In June 2017 Dublin City Council announced a proposal to undertake a public realm improvement plan for Francis Street, Hanover Lane and Dean Street, Dublin 8. The proposal comprised improvements to the public realm along the full length of Francis Street, Hanover Lane and part of Dean Street to include kerb buildouts along with footway repaving, raised junction plateaus, kerb buildouts to formalise parallel parking and loading bays, landscaping, bicycle stands, carriageway resurfacing, raised pedestrian crossings and ramps, public lighting improvements and all associated ancillary works.
When finished the street will be paved largely with a mix of the existing antique granite kerbs (which will be realligned) and concrete flagstones. Two higher finish areas to the front of Iveagh Market and St Nicholas de Myra Church will be completed with granite setts. 20 new Gleditsia triacanthos (honey locust) trees will be planted and a number of low-level planted areas are also planned, bringing greenery to the street. A number of sustainable urban drainage (SUDs) measures are being incorporated into the street including areas of permeable carriageway.
STREET ART – A WORK IN PROGRESS ON CHANCERY STREET
This is located near the Four Courts on Chancery Street in Dublin.
I had a horrible day as I must have met every village idiot in Ireland … stupid comments, demanding to be photographed, demanding not to be photographed, putting their hands on my lens, calling me a sissy for wearing a mask, blowing in my ear and then just standing still, etc.
STREET ART ON CHANCERY STREET – A WORK IN PROGRESS
There is a nice small art deco style public park on Chancery Street which is also home the the Four Courts. The four courts are more-or-less across the street from the park and at the tram stop.
Unfortunately the opening times for the park are somewhat restricted – 8am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, closed half-day Friday. It doesn’t open weekends at all, even in summer.
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