Major plan for north city

THE Northside of Dublin is set to have its own cultural hub connected to major city landmarks along a new

‘civic spine’ under a new, ambitious multi-million euro project.

The Parnell Square Cultural Quarter will include a new Dublin City Library on the site of Colaiste Mhuire in Parnell Square that will be connected to the Hugh Lane Gallery by a civic plaza.

The project is expected to cost in the region of e60 million and initial funding of e2.5 million will be provided by international investment firm, Kennedy Wilson, on a philanthropic basis. It’s hoped the rest of the funding will be provided through further investment and philanthropic donations.

A public consultation to explore how the cultural quarter can realise its potential for positive impact on the city is planned, giving Dubliners a chance to have their say on the project.

The plan envisages a new, elevated civic plaza at the north end of Parnell Square, the centrepiece of which will be the new city library beside the Hugh Lane Gallery.

The plaza will be an open, public space that will host cultural events and the area will be dominated by the visual arts, litreture, music and design.

When completed, the new cultural quarter will be part of a

‘civic spine’ connecting important city landmarks including Christchurch, Trinity College and the GPO, from the Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham up to the redeveloped Grangegorman district.

Planners say high quality public spaces separated by short distances will be created along the

‘spine’ at key points on the city map that will bring increased footfall and new business opportunites to neglected areas.

Lord Mayor Naoise � Muirí described the project as

“bold and visionary

? and believes it could act as a a catalyst for regeneration across the city.

“Parnell Square is the first and finest of Dublin’s Georgian Squares. The area has a rich and important history with philanthropic origins,

? he said.

“The communities, local employers and cultural and public institutions in the district can all play a part in making Dublin’s north Georgian district great again with safer streets, great public spaces and a thriving culture of learning, creativity and business.

Dublin City Manager John Tierney said the project represented a powerful opportunity for the redevelopment of this part of Northside Dublin.

“Dublin City Council is looking forward to working in partnership with Kennedy Wilson and with all the other stakeholders in bringing this major project to fruition,

? he added.

Managing director of Kennedy Wilson Europe, Peter Collins, explained why his firm was backing the project on a philanthropic basis.

“Parnell Square has a long association with philanthropy,

? he said.

“The Rotunda Maternity Hospital, Britain and Ireland’s first public maternity hospital, built by Dr Bartholomew Mosse in the 18th century, was financed by private donations.

“Kennedy Wilson is proud to continue this philanthropic heritage through our involvement with this visionary development for Dublin city. As a company we are committed to supporting public projects in the cities in which we are based, that will have a genuine positive impact on the residents of those cities.

?

Kennedy Wilson will be leading further fundraising efforts to secure the finances needed to deliver the initiative and will help manage the project throughout its development.

Dublin City Librarian Margaret Hayes welcomed the provision of a new city library as part of the project.

“A space to learn, create and participate will bring 21st century services to children and families, learners and researchers, readers and writers, workers and businesses,

? she said.

“The new library and other cultural activities will extend over the entire Colaiste Mhuire site offering new, open flexible spaces together with more intimate learning and meeting spaces in the houses fronting Parnell Square. A welcoming entrance foyer will be created directly onto Parnell Square.

?

Arrangements are now being made for the transfer of the former Coláiste Mhuire from the Office of Public Works to Dublin City Council. A series of public meetings and workshops are also being planned to provide more details about the plan.

Minister for Trade and Development and Dublin Central TD, Joe Costello (Lab), welcomed the announcement of the plan.

“Parnell Square is a fine Georgian Square that already includes important cultural institutions such as the Hugh Lane Gallery, the Dublin Writers’ Museum and the Gate Theatre,

? he said.

“However, it is in need of investment in order for it to reach its full potential.

?

Dublin MEP Emer Costello described the Coláiste Mhuire site as

“a fabulous location

? for the new Dublin City Library.

“Libraries are the only way that everyone can gain free access to an almost infinite range of information and knowledge, and they play a crucial role in improving literacy,

? she said.

“Moreover, Dublin is a city with an important literary tradition. The new library will act as a living tribute to Dublin’s literary history while supporting future generations of writers.

?