DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL has defended the demolition of a historic tram shelter in north Dublin following objections from some local residents.
The shelter was constructed as part of the old horse tramway from Dollymount to Nelsons Pillar, which opened in 1873.
It is located on the Clontarf Road but has been demolished as part of the construction of the Dollymount Promenade and Flood Protection Project which will provide a promenade, cycleway, and flood defense scheme.
Another element of this project was the construction of a controversial sea wall overlooking Dublin Bay.
In the planning documents for the flood protection project, the council said there would be a “careful dismantling and re-use of original materials where possible, particularly the brick, rainwater goods and pan tiles is being done”.
“The structure will be renovated in consultation with the DCC Architect and Archaeologist using materials which will attempt to restore the structure to its former condition prior to vandalism and disrepair,” the documents added.
https://www.facebook.com/SaveOurSeafrontClontarf/videos/1660975770835236/
A letter from one local resident described the demolition as “mindless”, adding that residents didn’t previously object as residents assumed it would be simply restored rather than demolished.
“If DCC’s intention was to simply demolish the structure, I would have personally put together a recovery team to ensure that there was indeed a ‘careful’ block by block removal of the structure,” the resident, who asked for their name not to be used but who has been in touch with the local council on the issue, said.
I would have ensured the old structure was stored in a dismantled state for a possible future re-build elsewhere in the Clontarf area.
So much for DCC conservation; would you restore a Ford Model T of the same era with sledgehammer and angle grinder?
In a statement to TheJournal.ie, Dublin City Council the tram shelter will become a central feature of the new scheme and that the shelter needed to be torn down:
The architect inspected the existing and determined that the bricks had been re-pointed in sand/mortar, this would make it difficult/impossible to take down the existing brick work without damaging a large percentage of it. Also, noted was that a large number of asbestos roof tiles were missing (not original), and a lot of the internal wooden trusses and beams were missing or damaged from fire.
It was decided that as much of the brick would be salvaged and incorporated into the new design which was to use brick of similar colour and finish, exact dimensions, roof truss details and construction to be replicated and other features to be replicated including cast iron guttering.
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