An observation balloon above the River Liffey and a retractable roof over Meeting House Square are among some of the plans for rejuvenating Dublin's Temple Bar.
An impression of an observation balloon above the River Liffey
Other proposals for the area of central Dublin sometimes known as the city's Left Bank include:
- tree planting
- new signage and information points
- a range of lighting including overhead 'spider-web' designs
- greater pedestrianisation by relaying cobblestone streets and wider footpaths
The proposals are contained in a document by Howley Harrington Architects and commissioned by the area management company, Temple Bar Properties (TBP).
There will be a public consultation period next month before TBP submits a revised plan to Dublin City Council's City Development Plan (2005 - 2011) due for publication later this year.
At the launch of the discussion document today, Mr Seán Harrington of Howley Harrington said: "We need to get reaction from the various stakeholders in Temple Bar before we move forward."Mr Harrington said the should make better use of the River Liffey. "Temple Bar effectively turns its back to the river and is separated by lanes of traffic."
He said when the Dublin Port Tunnel is built traffic on the quays should be reduced to one lane for public transport with a tree-lined promenade created by footpath widening.
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| An artist's rendering shows how a pod might be erected in an available space. |
An observation balloon above the Liffey with a drawbridge connecting to a berth where up to 30 passengers can board is also suggested.
Another novel suggestion are portable art pods which can be used by artists on a temporary basis for working and displaying their creations.
Mr Dermot McLaughlin, chief executive of TBP said: "The biggest issue here is the competition for the best ideas ... some of which will require practical negotiations but others can be implemented in the short term."
The area has come in for criticism in recent years over anti-social behaviour and the failure of some the art and design projects.
The scale of pub development in the area has led to drunkenness, violence, noise and litter. Mr McLaughlin acknowledged the problem but said the perception was worse than the reality. He said some public comment on problems in Temple Bar were "distortion and cliché".
"Temple Bar Properties has no licensing powers, I cannot accept that we are responsible for pub proliferation or licence extensions," he said.