Thought I'd start up a thread to see posters views on the ongoing/planned redevelopment of the Dublin suburbs of Dun Laoghaire and Sandycove. That som.com website has turned out to be a bit of a treasure trove of proposals.

Anyways, at present they have knocked down the old Carlisle Pier, and are in the process of covering over the rail line, which cuts through the seaside promenade, to create a plaza linking the pier to the town.


Dun Laoghaire as it is today. (well actually carlisle has been demolished)

dlharbour.ie
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by jonnerz
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and some important components of its planned redevelopment. I live in Sandycove, so it's a subject close to my heart.

These are the plans for a new beach in Sandycove, quite like them.
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And here's the plans for Carlisle Pier, don't like these so much.
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and many more pictures to be found here...


http://www.som.com/content.cfm/carlisle_pier

Are the plans for the new beach govt backed? Sorry this is the first i've seen anything on this project. .... Is it early days yet or does the actual beach proposal have any weight behind it?

Also, is that a Church spire being blocked out by the new Pier?

Dislike the proposed pier, completely destroys the view from the sea.


Overall a nice proposal though.

I'm glad to see that Carlisle pier go - what an eyesore! I'd be surprised if anything else every changes along that seafront though. Everything that is EVER planned seems to attract opposition from locals.

I'm glad to see that Carlisle pier go - what an eyesore! I'd be surprised if anything else every changes along that seafront though. Everything that is EVER planned seems to attract opposition from locals.

Sounds similar to the Queens Parade / Marine Gardens proposals in Bangor! :ohno: ... Seems the problem of locals wanting to keep their town held back from progress isn't unique to certain areas!!!!

Dun Laorghaire does not lack progress in the strong sense of the word - it just has alot of unfulfilled potential. That aided by a population which includes some very wealthy people means they want to preserve their lot.
It's the same in virtually all upper or middle class areas. It's easier to get things done where the peasantry live which happens to be the Northside.

Dun Laorghaire does not lack progress in the strong sense of the word - it just has alot of unfulfilled potential. That aided by a population which includes some very wealthy people means they want to preserve their lot.
It's the same in virtually all upper or middle class areas. It's easier to get things done where the peasantry live which happens to be the Northside.

Thanks Odlum, I live on the Northside. Didn't realise that I was a peasant :lol:

Thanks Odlum, I live on the Northside. Didn't realise that I was a peasant :lol:

So am I - my fellow peasant. I was being a bit tongue in cheek btw ;)


Do you think they would allow a port tunnel in Dun Laoghaire incidentally or anything else for that matter?

Are the plans for the new beach govt backed? Sorry this is the first i've seen anything on this project. .... Is it early days yet or does the actual beach proposal have any weight behind it?

Also, is that a Church spire being blocked out by the new Pier?

The plans aren't new, and are part of an ongoing saga. The plans are backed by Dunlaoghaire-Rathdown CC. They seem adamant to push it through, but are being stifled by local nimbys.
The concerns about the pier are somewhat warranted, but problems with the beach revolve mainly around snobbery. (i.e who would the beach attract?)

Yes, that's the local COI building. I don't think the view of it would be disturbed too much in reality, but the pier would block off views of some beautiful regency buildings.

P.S Dun Laoghaire isn't that posh. Some of its neighbouring areas are well off, but Dun Laoghaire itself is quite mixed.

IMO the pier is too massive for Dun Laoghaire. Deserves better.

The beach plan would make it a real place to be, Dun lao has alot of potential.

but again, nimbies and recession and etc :bash:

Dun-Laoghaire upgrade to include walkway over DART


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Work has begun on a project to cover over the Dart line, install semi-mature trees and improve pedestrian access between Dún Laoghaire’s town and harbour. Part of an overall upgrade to “the metals” walkway, Crofton Road and Marine Road, the Dart line is to be covered, ending a traditional disconnect between the Pavilion area and the harbour. The plan is to create a new walkway over the Dart which currently travels through a cutting south of the railway station. The intention is to define the metals as a place for pedestrians and cyclists by creating new café terraces, paths, sitting areas and a small play space. A new footpath along Queen’s Road and additional crossing points have been designed to integrate the scheme into the surrounding area. A pedestrian crossing at the entrance to the Pavilion car park is to further enhance pedestrian links to the the metals and a proposed county library in Moran Park.

From archiseek.com

Thought it might be worthwhile updating the progress on the first phase of the metals redevelopment. The work is ongoing and will be extened further along the promenade with time.


A picture of the site (with covered track visible) before redevelopment started.
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First phase after redevelopment.
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Furthermore, the construction of the library and cultural centre is also ongoing.


It will be built in the grounds of the Royal Marine Hotel, pictured below.
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Ooops, sorry about the gigantic pictures!!!!

Finally, some pics of the proposed library and some construction shots...



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The new leabharlann is a horrible concrete bunker. I'd almost describe it as brutalist architecture. Very disappointing.

I really wish they'd demolish Dún Dreary shopping centre next. It's a complete eye sore. If they ever demolish it, they should create a plaza and open up that corner of George's Street and Marine Road.

Great pics. The covered railway line makes a huge difference to the Sea Front....now if only we could get Richard Boyd Barrett to stop objecting to each and every plan for the harbour we'd be in business (although, if the Council proposed filling it in and building Social Housing he'd probably be in favour:)!!

As an aside, I always thought the "Metals" refered to the path running alongside the track from Glasthule Station onwards?!

I am in two minds about the new Library. On one hand it possesses the tradition of important Public Buildings being clad in Granite and having a strong physical presence. On the other hand, when this formula is applied in any architectural style except, Classical Greek or Roman it tends to look brutalist and age very quickly!

C