Greening Strategy

DRAFT
All plans shown in this document are preliminary
and for the purposes of discussion only and are not
fixed, all plans will be subject to further consultation

2018

 Contents
Introduction 
 
    

1.0 

The Greening Strategy Study Area

1.1 
1.2  
1.3 
1.4  
1.5  
1.6  
1.7 

The North East Inner City - Local Context
History and Heritage
The Dublin Docklands, Canals and Railways
Cultural Heritage
2018: Current context of the North East Inner City
Demographics
Planning Context 

2.0   The ‘Green Infrastructure’ Audit  

Page 1

Page 2

Page 6

          
2.1 
The Study Area
2.2 
The Audit : Methodology and Site Appraisal
2.3   Urban Form
2.4   Landscape Quality
2.5   Deficit of quality ‘Green Infrastructure’
2.6 
Existing Green Space Audit
2.7 
Public Consultation

2

3.0 

The ‘Green Infrastructure’ Vision & Strategy

3.1 
3.2  
 
3.3  
3.4 
3.5 

The ‘Green Infrastructure’ Vision
The Health Benefits of ‘Green Infrastructure’ and ‘Open Space’ (International    
Best Practice)
The Strategic Objectives and Benefits of the ‘Green Infrastructure’ Strategy
The ‘Green Infrastructure’ Strategy
Open Space Projects

Page 15

3.6 
3.7 
3.8 
3.9 

Tree Planting Strategy
Future Tree Planting Projects
Micro-Projects
Project Phasing

 I nt ro d u c t io n
The North East Inner City Greening Strategy was initiated by Dublin City Council, based on the recommendations of The
Mulvey Report. The report entitled ‘Dublin North East Inner City: Creating A Brighter Future: The Social And Economic
Regeneration Of Dublin’s North East Inner City’ was brought about as a response to the gangland murders in the North
East Inner City (NEIC) and wider Dublin area due to the drug trade and related criminal activity. The then Taoiseach
Mr. Enda Kenny commissioned the Mulvey report, to report to the ministerial task force, on the challenges that faced
the local communities of the NEIC. The ‘terms of reference’ for the NEIC report relating to landscape, are as follows:
‘To recommend specific measures which would support the long term economic and social regeneration of the area,
with a ten year timeframe, including in the areas of:
• 
• 

Improving the physical environment.
Community development including family, youth and recreation activity.

‘To recommend structures/ procedures to ensure better coordination of statutory and non-statutory programmes in the
area.’
The Mulvey report identified a strong statutory presence in the NEIC area, as well as a strong community with a history
of volunteerism. There are numerous projects at design, planning and construction stage in the NEIC. However, the
Mulvey report highlights that future projects:
• 
• 
• 
 

Work in the context of the existing landscape.
Provide a focal point and engine room for delivery of the actions and recommendations of the report.
Support active engagement of the community in owning both the challenges and the solutions to implement  
the report.

The North East Inner City Greening Strategy report has been prepared to identify opportunities to develop and improve
streetscapes and open spaces within the area for the benefit of the local communities and visitors alike. It aims to
improve the quality of life of local residents through greening enhancements of the physical environment with the hope
that, in the context of the Mulvey report, the North East Inner City becomes a safer, more appealing neighbourhood,
offering high quality recreational and amenity resources.
The strategy presents a landscape vision with proposals that have a realistic chance of being fulfilled as short, medium
and long term projects. The focus is placed primarily on sites that are under the control of Dublin City Council, making
design proposals largely independent of third parties.
The Dublin City Parks Strategy (Consultation Draft) 2016 provides an overall strategic framework and vision, directing

parks, landscape development and future management within Dublin City. The North East Inner City Greening Strategy
can be viewed in the context of the wider vision, and utilises the success of the Liberties Greening Strategy (2015) as
an example to follow.
The Liberties Greening Strategy has highlighted a wide variety of greening projects for the Liberties area, and seen the
creation of an ambitious list of works to improve the public realm, the environment and biodiversity in the area. Most
recently a new park has been completed, Weaver Park and has proven to be a huge success with another new park
on the way in 2019 at Bridgefoot Street. The Liberties Greening Strategy has also seen plans for the refurbishment of
historic parks to become vibrant contemporary city parks such as the recently completed St. Audeons Park and the
Peace Garden. Other projects such as area wide street tree planting, softening of the city’s hardscape, are ongoing.
The North East Inner City Greening Strategy presents a vison to rebrand the area, through the refurbishment of existing
green spaces, derelict spaces, sports and recreational areas and street tree planting. The core of this vision incorporates
sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS), international best practice guidance and biodiversity enhancement.
The design proposals for specific sites shown in the document are for the purpose of illustration only. Their design
development will be subject to further consultation.
The North East Inner City Greening Strategy is an initiative of the Parks and Landscape Services of Dublin City Council,
in collaboration with the Central Area Office. This report has been prepared with the assistance of ÁIT Urbanism +
Landscape Ltd.
Project Team    
Peter Leonard    
Gareth Toolan    

Parks and Landscape Services
Project Manager – Senior Executive Landscape Architect
Project Manager – Executive Landscape Architect

External Consultants   
Margaret Egan    
Richard Jolly    
Cynthia Jayne Dunwoody 

ÁIT Urbanism + Landscape Ltd
Director – Landscape Architect
Associate – Landscape Architect
Assistant – Landscape Architect

Leslie Moore
City Parks Superintendent
Parks and Landscape Services, Dublin City Council

1

 1 . 0   
1.1 

T h e Gr e e n i ng S trategy S tudy A re a

The North East Inner City – Local Context

The North East Inner City is a vibrant community made up of several areas
with their own specific identity and character. It is an area recognised for its
robust connections with the arts and sports and its diverse and vibrant multicultural communities. It is physically defined by the River Liffey and Docklands
to the south, Dublin Port to the East and the River Tolka to the north, and covers a total area of approximately 2.55 sq.km. Many significant arterial routes
traverse the area, forming direct connections north to the airport and south to
the River Liffey. Important landmarks and hubs of attraction are located near
the perimeter of the NEIC study area, including the nationally renowned gaelic
sports stadium at Croke Park situated to the immediate north, and Dublin’s
3Arena to the southeast. The presence of railway infrastructure is prevalent
within the area, whilst The Royal Canal, running north to south, acts as a potential important recreational and ecological resource.

1.2 

History and Heritage

The North East Inner City is an area with strong historical roots. The Georgian
era from 1714 to 1830 was a prosperous period of growth which witnessed the
development of the Gardiner Estate and the introduction of the Wide Streets
Commission, whose legacy remains in the areas wide streets, central squares
and redbrick Palladian style townhouses.
Mountjoy Square, located in the area known as the North Georgian Quarter
represents one such result of the approach to urban design and planning
prevalent throughout the continent during this period. Today, Mountjoy Square
is a landmark of national significance and an important part of the Georgian
heritage remaining in the city.
The construction of The Royal Canal emerged during the 18th century during
the development of the Dublin canal network, a significant step in connecting Dublin to rural Ireland. Its main purpose was a transport corridor, linking
Dublin to the Midlands and the River Shannon. The North Customs House
and Aldborough House were also significant constructions in the 1780’s. Land
2

reclamation in the area known as ‘The Docklands’ also began during this period. The results of these developments created one of Dublin City’s most
affluent areas.
Following the breakdown of the Gardiner Estate in 1846 through an Act of
Parliament, and the aftermath of the Irish Famine (1846 – 1849), the North
East Inner City suffered an economic downturn leading to significant urban
decay, poverty, a severe decline in living conditions and the closure of local
industry, due in part to a large influx of poor families from rural areas into the
city during this period. Many of the large Georgian houses became tenements
and slums for the poor.

1.3 

The Dublin Docklands, Canals and Railways

The original port of Dublin was historically situated near the current civic offices at Wood Quay. The concentration of port activities moved east of the
River Liffey to the North Customs House in the 1790’s. The South Bull Wall
was constructed in the 1750’s to address the dangers presented for shipping
in the open waters of Dublin Bay. Control of the port was transferred to Dublin
Corporation in 1786.
Substantial development of the north and south docklands continued and
Customs House Quay was opened in 1796, followed by George’s Dock in
1821, which included large warehouses and storage vaults. As Dublin City
prospered during the 18th century, trade expanded with exports of linen and
agricultural produce to Britain and the continent. Major imports included coal
and luxury goods for the affluent populations in the great Georgian houses
north and south of the Liffey. In order to develop the port further, The North
Bull Wall was built and opened in 1842.
In 1836 construction work began on the deep water berths at the North Wall,
which were extended in the 1870’s. Further land reclamation saw the development of Alexander Basin shortly before World War I. In conjunction with the
development of the docklands, local factories and industries flourished. The
population increased throughout the 19th century and newly reclaimed and
vacant land was developed for housing and commerce.

The Royal and Grand Canal harbours were developed in the early 1800’s.
By the mid 1850’s, the docklands had two of Dublin’s main railway terminals,
Amiens Street and Westland Row. In 1861 the London and North Western
Railway Company moved its passenger terminal from Kingstown to the North
Wall, followed by the Midland Railway Company opening a new link to the
North Wall. Hotels, warehouses and cattle yards moved near the newly developed port and transport infrastructure. Larger employers such as the Railway
Companies built housing for workers with smaller cottages built in the backstreets and lanes to house the rising population.
However, much of the housing built during the era of reclamation and dockland development were of low quality. Dublin’s Corporation began a slum
clearance programme in the early 1900’s. This led to urban dereliction as
sites were not redeveloped and the population fell. A programme of rehousing
began in the 1930’s which saw the development of new housing estates in the
suburbs, as it was less expensive than clearance and redevelopment of the
local tenements.
Containerisation of goods and the development of roll on roll off ferries and
the need for storage facilities in large dockside areas led to the decay and dereliction of the docklands; industry declined and poverty increased locally. The
docklands and adjacent areas fell into decay with substantial dereliction. The
1986 Customs House Docks Area Renewal Act, marked the first concentrated
effort to address urban dereliction and regeneration of the Docklands area in
modern times.

1.4 

Cultural Heritage

There are many important landmarks and focal points of interest situated
within or in close proximity to the study area.
“The heart of the North Inner City is a place full of history and adventure, it
has all the character that Dublin is so renowned for. It is the heart of James
Joyce’s Night Town chapter from Ulysses and its streets have seen the birth
of the nation from all points of view”. N/C Folklore Project

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

In conjunction with James Joyce, there are also strong literary connections
with Sean O’Casey and Brendan Behan, highlighted in the attractions of the
James Joyce Centre on North Great George’s Street and The Dublin Writer’s
Museum on Parnell Street. Furthermore, the Abbey Theatre is located on
nearby Abbey Street. There is also a strong historical association locally with
the 1913 Lockout, the 1916 rising and the War of Independence.
The historical sporting connections of the local communities are illustrated
in the National GAA Museum of Gaelic Sports in Croke Park. The EPIC Irish
Emigration Museum is located just outside the study area on George’s Dock.

1.5 

2018: Current context of the North East Inner City

The cumulative impacts of the many factors that led to the decline of the North
East Inner City are still visible today, with large parts of the NEIC remaining
of low urban landscape quality and significant disadvantage. There are areas
with a high concentration of social housing and poor business infrastructure,
lying in stark contrast to the redevelopment of the Docklands area to the south
of the study area.

approximately 32,320 during the 2016 Census, resulting in a high population
density of approximately 12,670 people per sq.km. This figure is evidently
high when compared to the figure of 3,677 people per sq.km for Dublin city
and suburbs. 11.78% of this population were aged under 14 whilst 6.63%
were aged over 65.
However, these figures vary greatly within the study area. Recent census results highlight the growing gap within the population, with clusters of highly
deprived areas sitting in close proximity to affluent populations such as those
residents in newer residential developments in the Docklands SDZ, the IFSC,
swathes of Sheriff Street and the North Docks.
The 2011 Census identifies over a third of ‘small areas’ within the NEIC categorised as disadvantaged and very disadvantaged, with 19 more sitting below
average. High unemployment rates are also evident within the NEIC – in the

2011 Census, male unemployment levels were two or three times higher than
the national average and there was a high reliance upon social housing. The
NEIC has also seen a rise of non-Irish populations originating from other EU
and non-EU countries, with rates within electoral districts ranging from 18%
to 52% - higher than the national average of 12%. Some of these populations
are subject to backgrounds with economic and social issues.
These ‘small areas’ of ‘very disadvantaged’ are not highlighted in red in the
2016 Pobal Deprivation Index map. As part of the fieldwork undertaken as
part of this study, the most or ‘very disadvantaged’ areas identified in terms
of very poor physical environment include Taaffes Place in North Strand,
Charles Street Great, Sheriff Street Lower, Summerhill Parade, sections of
Railway Street and Portland Row. According to the 2011 Census, some of the
‘small areas’ contain 80% lone parent households, with less than 5% of the
population attaining third level education.

Within the NEIC there are numerous opportunities to develop derelict sites,
improve existing open spaces and for the creation of urban parks, recreational
spaces, formal gardens and allotments. Significant opportunities lie within the
wealth of wide thoroughfares that dominate the urban landscape of the North
East Inner City that can be enhanced for the benefit of local communities
and businesses. The Royal Canal and railway lands have been identified as
physical barriers that segregate communities and restrict connectivity within
the North East Inner City study area. Both should be considered as valuable
assets in terms of future green infrastructure enhancement projects.

1.6 Demographics
The North East Inner City encompasses 74 small areas and five electoral
districts and is a ‘RAPID’ designated area of the city. The population stood at

Fig. 1.5.1 Pedestrian network, dublin bikes and railway infrastructure
3

 Fig. 1.6.1 Distribution of children under 14 (Areas with greatest concentration of under 14s shown in dark blue).

•  Recognising and promoting the value of ecosystem services that the
green infrastructure network provides to the city.
•  Adapting to the uncertainties of the impacts of climate change presently
and into the future on the city’s landscape, including its wildlife and its
people.

Circu

lar R

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t.

North

•  Increasing awareness of biodiversity through enhanced interpretation onsite and through visitor facilities.

Do

Ea

st

W
all

•  Improving the mental and physical health of Dublin’s citizens through the
provision, maintenance and promotion of sporting, play and recreation
facilities at neighbourhood level.

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Sheriff St. Upper

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Gar

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•  Locating and developing access to lands presently not being used to facilitate community and allotment gardening in the city.

River Liffey

1.7 

Planning Context

As outlined in Chapter 10 of the Dublin City Council Development Plan 2016  
2022, the key challenges identified by the City Council in developing, managDublin City Council Development Plan 2016-2022
ing and protecting the city’s green infrastructure assets are as follows:
Dublin City Council aims to pursue a green infrastructure approach to ensure
a sustainable city for the use and enjoyment of its citizens and tourists alike.
Dublin City Council Development Plan 2016-2022 plans for the future recreation and open space needs of its citizens which ensures the protection of
natural assets such as open spaces, landscapes and biodiverse areas which
are essential in creating a clean, green and well-connected city.

4

•  Addressing deficits of green space in some neighbourhoods due to the
historic development of the city and retrofitting green infrastructure into
existing built-up areas.
•  Protecting the existing green infrastructure network from fragmentation
and loss due to pressures of urban development within and adjoining the
network.

In order to achieve a green infrastructure within the Dublin City Council area,
the council aims to implement a ‘green infrastructure’ strategy, create sustainable connectivity between green areas and provide for the recreational and
amenity needs of the population. This vision will be achieved through the implementation of key ‘green infrastructure’ policies and objectives as outlined in
Chapter 10 of the Dublin City Development Plan 2016-2022.
Dublin City Development Plan 2016-2022 addresses the need for protecting
and enhancing the city’s open spaces for both recreation and biodiversity. It
highlights objectives to implement a green infrastructure strategy with core
areas, hubs and corridors, and to create sustainable connectivity between
green spaces.
The Dublin City Parks Strategy Consultation (Draft) 2016
The Dublin City Parks Strategy Consultation (Draft) 2016 puts forward an
overall strategic framework that guides the process of meeting the recreational and conservational needs of the city. Its aim is to create a more liveable and greener city, and highlights the need for implementation of protec-

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

The following projects and strategies are referenced within the public realm
vision within the Parks Strategy that are of relevance to the development of an
overall ‘green infrastructure’ for the North East Inner City study area.

This masterplan is an in-depth, long-term vision for the city centre core that
can visualise and express in detail an exemplar public realm. It identifies
specific projects and brings forward a series of optimum streetscape layouts
for the city core. These take account of the analysis, consultations, findings
and proposals arising from that process and the major infrastructure projects
underway or proposed. It also responds to the needs of high footfall, recreational, community and commercial activity delivering a pedestrian friendly city
core.

eastern boundary of the site. This concept is based on the success of several
city farm projects in London City, such as Spitalfields City Farm in Buxton,
Vauxhall City Farm in Lambeth and Hackney City Farm in Goldsmith Row.
Some of the aims of the Dublin Port City Farm are to allow the children of the
inner city to interact with nature in an urban context and provide educational
activities in a landscaped setting.

North Lotts and Grand Canal SDZ, 2014

Dublin Port Masterplan 2040

The redevelopment of the docklands began in the late 1990’s. The Dublin
Docklands Development Authority (DDDA), was created by the Dublin Dockland Development Authority Act 1997 to lead a major project of physical,
social and economic regeneration. The North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock
Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) was made by elected members of the
developing agency in 2014.

As part of the current and future development of the Dublin Port lands, the
Dublin Port Company has also put in place a vision for the integration of the
port into the city landscape with numerous public realm and amenity projects utilising high quality architecture and landscape design initiatives. This
includes new projects to soften its boundaries to the city and provide public
realm at the Port Centre for the first time in 35 years. This is the largest physical intervention by Dublin Port to reintegrate the port with the city, and enliven
the Port’s boundaries with the City.

The ‘green infrastructure’ vision for the Dublin City area is being realised with
a substantial number of projects identified in the North Lotts and Grand Canal
SDZ, The Liberties Greening Strategy, The Heart of Dublin: Dublin City Centre
Public Realm Plan and the Dublin Port Masterplan 2040 which are now complete. Other projects are in progress at design and tender stage.

tive measures in existing green spaces and the sustainable planning of new
spaces. The strategy strives to provide the wider community’s view as part
of the community engagement process, and to advance greening measures
and improve the provision of parks and facilities for people and communities.

Dublin City Council published a Public Realm Masterplan Strategy document
for the SDZ in 2014. The public realm masterplan covers a 60 hectare site
area within the strategic development zone. It provides guidance on the layout of streets and parks, and on palettes of materials and street furniture. Its
landscape strategy aims to animate the River Liffey, Docks and Campshires
with a mix of recreational activities for local residents, workers and visitors to
the area.
The Heart of Dublin : Dublin City Centre Public Realm Plan, 2016
In 2012 the publication of the “Your City, Your Space; Dublin City Public Realm
Strategy”, Dublin City Council formally defined for the first time what ‘public
realm’ meant and why it is so important to the life of the city. “Your City, Your
Space” applied initially to the historical, cultural and commercial core of the
city, between the Royal and Grand Canals. The new masterplan, “The Heart
of Dublin: Dublin City Centre Public Realm Plan, 2016” derives directly from
the work of that public realm strategy. It builds on learning to date and lays out
clear guidance and defined priorities for the next 20 years.

Delivery of the ‘Green infrastructure’ Vision

The North East Inner City Greening Strategy will further strengthen the vision
for this historic quarter in the north east of Dublin City. A number of projects
identified at the early stages of this study are now at procurement stage by
Dublin City Council, Parks and Landscape Services.

“This exciting new project has been designed with the purpose of opening up
Port Centre to the City, using new public realm and maritime-inspired sculptural and architectural design to soften the boundaries between the Port and
the City. Port-city integration is a major strategic objective for Dublin Port and
at the heart of our growing programme of arts, industrial heritage, sports,
community and educational initiatives. As Port Centre physically changes for
the first time in 35 years, we hope to move another step closer towards re-establishing the links with the City that existed so strongly centuries ago. Here’s
to a new chapter for Port Centre and its place within the City.” James Kelleher,
Project Manager , Dublin Port Company

The scheme is integrated into Dublin Port’s future plans for a new internal
road network, cycle network and pathways. The 3km route will give pedestrians and cyclists access to the port estate for recreational use for the first
time, and includes a perimeter route with vantage points overlooking the Tolka
Estuary. There are also plans for the development of a ‘City Farm’ to the north

5

 2.0  
2.1 

The ‘Green Infrastructure’ Audit

The Study Area

The study area is located in the north-eastern quadrant of Dublin City. The
Custom House, River Liffey and Docklands are located to the south. Dublin
Port is located to the east with Fairview Park to the north east. Drumcondra and Croke Park lie on the northern boundary, with Dorset Street forming
the north-western edge of the study area. Gardiner Street forms the western
boundary of the site.
The area collectively referred to as the North East Inner City is a vibrant
community encompassing several specific local communities each with their
own identity; these include Amiens Street, Ballybough, Buckingham Street,

Foley Street, Gardiner Street, James Joyce Street, Killarney Street, Mountjoy
Square, North Circular Road, North Strand, East Wall, Portland Row, Railway
Street, Rutland Street, Sean MacDermott Street, Seville Place, Sheriff Street
Lower, Sheriff Street Upper and Summerhill, as well as numerous smaller
streets and housing estates.

2.2 

The Audit : Methodology and Site Appraisal

The audit of the ‘green infrastructure’ of the North-East Inner City study area
was undertaken utilising the following methodology.

An initial desktop study was undertaken to review existing green open space,
tree canopy cover and accessible habitats. A preliminary tree and green space
map was prepared prior to fieldwork on site. Utilising information acquired
from departmental plans and review of planning context within the area, an
existing community assets map was generated, identifying data gaps in the
current information. Current international best practice guidance and standards were used to assess project areas, quantum of amenity space and tree
cover to develop target goals for vision and strategy to meet these standards.
Fieldwork tasks that were undertaken include:
•  ‘Ground truthing’ the existing mapping of habitats and green space. Evaluation of green infrastructural linkages, assessing biodiversity value and
ecosystem services.

CROKE
PARK

FAIRVIEW
PARK

•  ‘Ground truthing’ existing urban trees, broadly categorising recordable
data such as size and spread, while identifying species.
•  Identifying opportunity sites for urban greening and assessing their Green
Infrastructure potential.
•  Assessing the potential for streets to accommodate street trees; taking
account of street & pavement widths, heritage and land-use considerations and other future projects e.g. Dublinbikes, new cycle lanes.

THE ROYAL
CANAL

DUBLIN
PORT

O’CONNELL
STREET

DOCKLANDS

RIVER LIFFEY
Fig. 2.1.1 The North East Inner City project boundary
6

•  An appraisal and mapping of play and recreation facilities within the study
area and its immediate hinterland; including informal play and the recreational role of institutional and cultural sites.
•  Field observation regarding local micro-climate; exposure, shelter and
shading to inform potential tree planting locations and development of
suitable planting palette.
•  A comprehensive photographic record of fieldwork areas.

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

•  Identifying and mapping of Green Infrastructure assets on private and
institutional lands including known green roofs and roof gardens.
•  Analysis of project area demographics to inform proposals & interventions.
The findings of the field observations were digitally collated in Autocad over
OSI base mapping. Regular meetings were held with the Parks and Landscape Services of Dublin City Council and the NEIC Steering Group. The
analysis work was collected and compiled into an A3 report. The conclusion of
the analysis stage is presented as a synthesis map of key findings.

2.3 

Urban Form

Following on from the desktop analysis and fieldwork stages of the study, it is
apparent that there are many positive elements present in the urban form and
structure of the North East Inner City study area which stem from a rich and
diverse historical development dating from the Georgian era.
Segments of the historic Georgian streetscape of wide streets and spacious
squares still remain intact; notably Mountjoy Square, North Circular Road,
Seville Place and Buckingham Street Lower, with distinct residential zones
located to the east of The Royal Canal.

2.4 

Landscape Quality

Figure 2.4.1 shows an analysis of landscape quality within the North East Inner City. It highlights in particular the presence of railway infrastructure and
waterways traversing through the study area and pockets of distinct landscape
quality. The analysis highlights areas where a low visual quality of streetscape
is evident, characterised by a lack of tree planting, rubbish dumping and low
quality public realm. Areas identified to fall within this category include parts of
North Strand, the Sheriff Street Lower area, Summerhill and Sean MacDermott
Street. The map also illustrates areas where there is a presence of active shop
frontages, cafés and restaurants, acting as hubs of attraction and focal points
within communities. These include parts of Dorset Street, Talbot Street, North
Strand Road, Church Road, Amiens Street, East Wall Road and Summerhill.

Above: photo of Mountjoy Square Park

Visual and physical barriers exist particularly surrounding railway infrastructure, where high stone walls and fencing can be found. Numerous bridges are
present at crossing points over The Royal Canal and Tolka River and as part of
the railway infrastructure network. However, these physical features currently
act as barriers to pedestrian flow and movement along the east to west axis
and make accessibility and connectivity difficult within the North East Inner City
area as a whole.

Above: photo of The Royal Canal at Charleville Mall

North Strand consists of a fine grain historic streetscape of terraced houses
lining various streets while the East Wall area has a different identity with
more spacious streets and small private front gardens. Social housing blocks
are dispersed throughout the North East Inner City, many in need of refurbishment and redevelopment, whilst modern apartment blocks are situated
throughout the IFSC and the North Docklands area as part of the North Lotts
and Grand Canal SDZ, 2014.

Above: photo of Mud Island Community Garden located off North Strand Rd

7

    
  

Fig. 2.4.1 Analysis of landscape quality




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The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

2.5 

Deficit of quality ‘Green Infrastructure’

Tree coverage in the NEIC is sparse with approximately 1000 trees equating
to a canopy cover of 1% of the study area. This figure is evidently low when
compared to the figure of 10.2% tree canopy coverage for the lands managed
by Dublin City local authority. Only a few pockets of good quality street trees
exist, notably on North Circular Road and Mountjoy Square. Residential areas in general are devoid of street tree planting as a result of narrow streets

with on street car parking. The map shown in Figure 2.5.1 taken from the
Dublin Tree Canopy Study 2017 undertaken by University College Dublin in
conjunction with the four Dublin local authorities, shows the percentage of tree
canopy cover across Dublin City.

or no private gardens or access to public open space. Publically accessible
green space is provided at an average rate of 1.89sqm per person, which lies
in stark contrast to an average of 49sqm per person for Dublin city council in
its entirety.

Within the study area as a whole there is also an evident deficit of quality
green space, exacerbated by the fact that much of the population live in terraced housing on narrow streets or high density apartment blocks with little

The west of the NEIC does have some significant green spaces including
the historic Mountjoy Square Park, Diamond Park and Liberty Park. Again,
the presence of railway infrastructure and The Royal Canal creates a physical barrier running through the area and makes accessibility to these spaces
from east of the canal difficult. Lands adjacent to The Royal Canal and railway
need to be utilised more.
For the residents of East Wall and North Strand there is a shortage of accessible open green space bar Fairview Park which is located further north of the
Tolka River. East Wall Recreation Centre, although located in the heart of the
residential area, is a degraded sports and play facility with insufficient parking
facilities and low quality public realm.

2.6 

Existing Green Space Audit

Diamond Park
Diamond Park lies in a highly accessible and central location on Gardiner
Street, a key arterial route heading north out of the city. It is situated in close
proximity to many social housing complexes and other residential accommodation, and the newly constructed Gardiner Street student accommodation.
This small 0.7 hectare park was originally developed in 1985 but was later
redesigned with the inclusion of a multi-sports pitch, children’s play area and
table tennis tables. There is a scattering of early mature tree planting within
the park and pockets of grass lawn. Due to its attractive central location and
good accessibility, Diamond Park is a vibrant and well-used green space.

Fig. 2.5.1 Estimated tree canopy cover across DCC managed land. Dublin Tree Canopy Study, University College Dublin, 2017. NEIC study

area boundary outlined in black.

Liberty Park
Liberty Park was constructed in 1979, on a site with a notorious history, known
locally as ‘the Monto’. Foley Street, which is located adjacent to the park, was
formerly known as Montgomery Street, hence the name ‘the Monto’, a red
light district which operated from the 1860’s to the 1920’s. ‘The Monto’ was
9

 immortalised as ‘Nighttown’ in the ‘Circe’ chapter of James Joyce’s Ulysses,
where the central protagonists Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus together
visit a brothel.
Liberty Park is located in a strategically important location acting as a linking space between Sean MacDermott Street, Railway Street, James Joyce
Walk and the active shop frontages on Talbot Street. In many aspects it is a
forgotten and concealed place within the North East Inner City, and an area
noted for anti-social behaviour particularly at night. Safety issues are a concern which discourage local residents use of the park.
In recent years improvements have been undertaken including the programming of events in an effort to displace anti-social behaviour. Events such as
the Monto Picnic, Heritage week, speakers corner, arts/musical workshops
and many more events have proven to be a great success, encouraging both
the use of the park and community involvement.
The park currently is comprised of lawn and semi-mature trees with a simplistic network of paths along the perimeter. Two entrances are located on
the northern and southern boundaries and there is a small fenced play area
located in the west of the park, linked to the adjacent crèche. Section 3.0 of
this study presents additional illustrations on the enhancement and improvement of this open space for the community benefit.
East Wall Open Space
Located on Russell Avenue East, the East Wall Open Space is situated in a
residential area surrounded by semi-detached housing. The space is circular in configuration and consists of various items of playground equipment, a
small multisport astroturf court and community facility building. The space is
surrounded by a fence, a narrow road network with low quality surfacing and
insufficient car parking. Two mature specimen lime trees are present within
the space; the tarmac surface is worn and cracked with protruding tree roots.
The playground equipment is dated with poor offerings for play by able and
less abled children. However, there is a vibrancy to this local community of
predominantly two storey ‘two up two down’ terraced houses. Many houses
have been refurbished and there is a sense of both old and new residents with
young families in the area. ie skips, toys in front gardens. Section 3.0 of the
10

report presents two options of proposals for the enhancement and improvement of this park for the local community.
Mountjoy Square Park
Mountjoy Square Park is a significant green space located within the Georgian streetscape of the North East Inner City, surrounded by wide streets and
historic red brick Georgian buildings. It was originally created by Luke Gardiner, the developer of the Georgian streetscape in the early 19th century and
formed part of the wider concept for the entirety of Gardiner Street. The park
of size 1.8ha consists of a lawn area with a canopy of mature tree cover and
path network in the western portion of the park. In the eastern portion there
exists a children’s playground, a tarmac sports pitch and a multisport court. A
nursery, public toilets and a community building are also present however the
buildings are in a poor condition and in need of repair. Numerous entrances
lead into the park on all boundaries.
The Royal Canal
The Royal Canal is an underused resource due to lack of access. There is a
huge potential for the banks of the canal to be developed not only as a pedestrian and cycle route north to south but as a usable recreational open space,
promoting biodiversity and allowing for greater pedestrian permeability from
east to west. Currently the starting/finishing point of the Royal Canal Way is
located on Charleville Mall in North Strand. Plans are in place for the extension of a greenway from Sheriff Street Upper to North Strand (Phase 2 Royal
Canal Greenway) and from North Strand to Phibsborough (Phase 3 Royal
Canal Greenway). Better connectivity along and to the Royal Canal will be key
in a successful Greening Strategy.
Sheriff Street Park
Sheriff Street Park is situated east of Guild Street and in close proximity to
Spencer Dock and Sheriff Street Lower. A number of youth and recreational facilities are in close proximity including Sheriff Youth Club, St Laurence
O’Toole Recreation Centre and local schools. Apartment blocks and residential properties overlook the park from the south and north respectively, whilst
the main access is from the northern park boundary. The space comprises of
a lawn area with tree planting and path network, playground facilities and a
MUGA. Low metal fencing surrounds the park perimeter.

Above: aerial photo of Diamond Park looking south

Above: photo of play equipment in East Wall Recreational Centre

Above: photo of central lawn and tree planting in Liberty Park.

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

Fig. 2.6.1 Existing green spaces

   
 
   

     
    
  
 

   

  

 

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Chilthen'e play area {ail DDC housing}  Sports mun er MUGA Roof garden or green roof

 

ememe

2.7 

Public Consultation

 
Public Consultation Process
As previously stated, the NEIC Greening Strategy follows on from the recommendations of the Mulvey report “Dublin North East Inner City – Creating a
Brighter Future”. The report identifies improvements in the physical landscape
as one way in which social and economic regeneration can be encouraged.
One of the central tenets of the report is the importance of community engagement. In order for these recommendations to be fulfilled, it was essential to establish a consultative process that engaged the community and give them an
ownership of decisions that are made toward the regeneration of their area.
Workshops were organised by various departments of Dublin City Council
and the local area office, with the assistance of the team at Áit Urbanism +
Landscape. Community action groups including those identified in the Mulvey
Report relating to family & young people services and local residential communities and stakeholders of the NEIC were involved– all of whom could offer
a valuable insight into the community deficits and opportunities a greening
strategy could help to address.
The attendees were clearly briefed as to the scope of the project e.g. Public
realm and DCC lands only, and extent of the study area. The stakeholders
were invited to share their ideas and aspirations for greening the NEIC, their
local knowledge; spaces that work, and problems and lessons learned from
implementing their own projects.
The project team returned for a second meeting to present the draft strategy
and outline proposals for key spaces, clearly explaining the rationale behind
what was proposed; hierarchy of spaces, priority projects, and green infrastructure benefits. The attendees were invited to comment on the proposals
and ask questions.

The stakeholder workshops were advertised on the NEIC website: flyers were
circulated via email by Dublin City Council and the Local Area Office to local
community and stakeholder groups.
The draft North East Inner City Greening Strategy will be available on the
Dublin City Council website for comment as part of the public consultation
process.
The Community and Local Stakeholders: Community Consultation
Workshops
A series of community consultation workshops took place in March, May and
August 2018 in Charleville Mall Library, North Strand, St Laurence O’Toole
Recreation Centre, Sheriff Street Lower, and Ballybough Community Youth &
Fitness Centre, Ballybough Road.

Above: photo of initial public workshop at Charleville Mall Library

The purpose of the workshops was to engage with local residential communities and stakeholders of the NEIC, in order to gain valuable feedback which
may aid in the development of the strategy proposals. Participants in the
workshops were divided into groups and set a number of tasks to undertake
before presenting their findings to the wider audience. The workshops were
approximately a 2 hour duration.
The main points arising from the workshops are summarised as follows:

Above: photo of initial public workshop at Charleville Mall Library

The key positives of the NEIC:
•  Georgian streetscape and heritage (including the wide street network and
Mountjoy Square)
•  The Royal Canal
•  Community gardens
•  Strong community spirit
•  Very valuable real estate
•  Central location       

Above: photo of initial public workshop at Charleville Mall Library

12

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

The key challenges / issues of the NEIC:
•  Derelict and abandoned sites
•  Anti-social behaviour, crime and vandalism
•  High levels of rubbish dumping
•  Lack of pedestrian connectivity
•  Large volumes of traffic
•  Lack of pedestrian friendly areas
•  Lack of green space
Potential opportunities for greening:
•  The Royal Canal
•  CIE Lands
•  Street tree planting on wide streets
•  Street planters
•  Liberty Park
•  Mountjoy Square Park
•  Spencer Dock lifting bridge
•  Community gardens

Above: photo of public workshop at St Laurence O’Toole Recreation Centre

Above: photo of initial public workshop at Ballybough Community Youth Centre

Follow-up Workshop, Charleville Mall Library, North Strand
A follow-up workshop was undertaken in Charleville Mall Library, North
Strand with the participants from the initial workshop at this location. The
purpose of the consultation was to present the working draft greening strategy document to the attendees, illustrating the opportunity sites identified
within the study area and the developed sketch proposals within the greening strategy. A discussion was opened to the floor in order to gain feedback
on the proposals and allow for any questions to be addressed.

Fig. 2.7.1 Map prepared by one of the groups at the Charleville Mall Library workshop

13

 Children’s Workshops (by Debbie Clarke, Dublin City Council Play
Officer)
As part of the consultation process a series of three interactive workshops
were undertaken by Debbie Clarke with approximately 20-25 children aged
4-12 years old from Sheriff Street ‘After School Project’ and St Laurence
O’Toole Community Recreation Centre. The children took part in a number
of tasks including a mapping exercise, questionnaire, group interview and a
‘walk and chalk’ activity around their local area. The key information gained
from these children’s workshops is summarised below:

•  
 
•  
 
 
•  
 
•  
•  

Improved footpath network linking to schools, shops, conventional  
play areas and transport links.
Play areas within public open space and adjacent to well used   
pedestrian routes to shops and schools. Incorporate seating for   
adult supervision.
Increased facilities for teenagers - football pitch, sports courts,   
water activities, informal open space for social interaction.
A wide range of locations suitable for social and playful interactions.
A variety of surfaces and wide pavements for street play.  

 

Above: children during the ‘walk and chalk’ activity

Main Observations:
•   Use of public open space mainly associated with journeys to
 
locations such as the cinema, shops and restaurants.
•
 

 

Activities provided are mainly organised, for example swimming   
lessons, dance classes and homework clubs.

•  
 

Children are spending a large proportion of their time playing   
indoors at after school clubs and recreation clubs.

•
 

Outdoor play takes place mainly at a very local level and where   
there is free play available.

 

Above: map created by children during the workshop tasks

Above: children during the ‘walk and chalk’ activity

Above: the mapping task undertaken as part of the workshop

Above: children during the ‘walk and chalk’ activity

Improvements children would like to see in their estate:
•   Painting / art work – street art projects involving engagement from  
 children.
•   More parks and small play areas.
•   Increased play equipment for children.
•   More access to water based activities (Docklands, River Liffey and  
 
The Royal Canal).
•   Safer streets through traffic calming, street closure, driveways, cul  
 
de sacs and roundabouts.
•   Footpath network linking estates to public open space, with grass   
 
areas set back from the road.

14

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

3. 0   
3.1 

T h e ‘ Gr e en I nfrastructure’ Vi si on & Str a te gy

The ‘Green Infrastructure’ Vision

In order to address the key recommendations and observations of ‘The Mulvey Report’, and the deficit of ‘green infrastructure’ identified during the course
of this study, Dublin City Council aims to implement a ‘green infrastructure’
strategy for the NEIC area. This vision will be achieved through the implementation of key ‘green infrastructure’ policies and objectives as outlined in
Chapter 10 of the Dublin City Council Development Plan 2016-2022.
In conjunction with existing masterplans outlined in section 1.0 of this report,
‘The North East Inner City Greening Strategy’ will support the council’s vision
for improved connectivity between communities, enhanced public realm, a
network of new and refurbished urban parks, street tree planting, play areas
and civic spaces.
The success of ‘The Liberties Greening Strategy 2015’ has seen numerous
projects successfully implemented by the Parks and Landscape Services of
Dublin City Council. The ongoing implementation of the vision laid out in ‘The
Liberties Greening Strategy 2015’, has had a dramatic impact on sections of
urban landscape of Dublin 8, with significant benefits for local communities
and businesses alike, and has also attracted new investment locally.

3.2 
 

The Health Benefits of ‘Green Infrastructure’ and Open   
Space’

There are numerous studies on the health benefits of ‘green infrastructure’
urban green space interventions, of most note is ‘The World Health Organization : Urban Green Space, A brief for Action’.
Urban green space interventions are defined as actions that significantly
modify the quality, quantity and accessibility of urban green space. A broad
spectrum of interventions at different scales include :

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Tree / shrub planting along streets or railway lines
Small urban parks, pocket parks and playgrounds
Green roofs and green walls
Parks and urban meadows
Greenways / green corridors
Coastal, riverside, canal, lakeside trails linking green to ‘blue space’
Recreational and urban gardening – community, school, playground,
sports areas
•  Facilitating access to urban woodlands, forests or natural wildlife areas
The environmental benefits of a robust and cohesive green infrastructure in a
community include :
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Improved air and water quality
Buffer zones for noise pollution
Mitigation of impacts of extreme events
Reduction of the environmental health risks of living in an urban area
Enhanced biodiversity

The health benefits in providing green infrastructure and open space to communities include :
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Support and facilitation of health and well being
Stress alleviation and relaxation
Encouraging physical activity & play
Promoting social interaction and community cohesiveness
Improved mental health and well being from contact with nature
Improved physical fitness, cognitive and immune function

These benefits can be of particular relevance for socially and economically
disadvantaged areas which often have the least access to high quality open
space and green infrastructure.

3.3 
 

The Strategic Objectives and Benefits of the ‘Green
Infrastructure’ Strategy

One of the principle aims of Dublin City Council local authority is to improve
the quality of life for the communities of the North East Inner City by addressing the issues and recommendations made by The Mulvey Report and implementing the ‘green infrastructure’ strategic objectives of Dublin City Council
Development Plan 2016-2022.
The areas in which we live should be somewhere we want to be, and are
happy to belong to. Open spaces and green infrastructure are key to ensuring
that communities can benefit from a wide range of social, environmental and
health benefits as well as making the areas in which we live more physically
attractive; areas we are proud to live in, raise families and grow old. Good
planning and management of these assets, once established, will also ensure
continued benefits for generations to come.
The strategic approach of this green infrastructure strategy is to integrate existing and future landscape proposals and interventions into the heart of the
physical environment through community participation, and by creating and
maintaining an urban realm with high quality open space and streetscapes.

3.4 

The ‘Green Infrastructure’ Strategy

The Greening Strategy aims to take full advantage of the benefits of existing
green spaces through proposing substantial improvements to the functioning
of existing parks, some of which are currently uninviting and lack quality recreational facilities. Furthermore, the strategy seeks to capitalise on the wide
street network that is evident in areas of the North East Inner City, which
presents an opportunity for increased street tree planting, sustainable urban
drainage systems, improved greened pedestrian connections and in turn an
enhanced public realm. There also lies an opportunity for greening amongst
smaller residential streets through tree planting of smaller sized species in
build-outs. Consideration has been given at an area wide scale, ensuring
each neighbourhood has been considered as a separate entity in order to

15

 prioritise the most suitable strategy appropriate in each case, and to ensure
a balanced distribution of facilities across the NEIC study area. Figure 3.4.2
illustrates the overall strategy for the NEIC study area, encompassing the
redevelopment of the green space network and linking routes.
The following section of this report proposes possible greening interventions
and designs for these green spaces and streets. Existing green spaces focused on include Diamond Park, Mountjoy Square Park, East Wall Open
Space, Liberty Park and The Royal Canal. Some of the wide streets and key
arterial routes identified with opportunities for street tree planting include Sean
MacDermott Street, Dorset Street and North Circular Road.
A proposal is put forward for a new linear green space on Killarney Street.
This green space is proposed to make better usage of the wide street network
and one-way traffic flow that exists in this location, providing play facilities and
seating areas. Furthermore, improvements to the stepped terrace on Summerhill are proposed as a greening measure and to enhance the visual quality
of the streetscape.
There is also scope to extend the Dublinbikes network. Currently only five
Dublinbikes stations are located within the area, however there are a number
of stations located immediately to the south and west of the project area.
An increased volume of stations situated near to focal locations and along
pedestrian links would be of great advantage.
Through the benefits of the Greening Strategy, a transformed urban public
realm and green space network can be created, which assists in tackling social and environmental problems, and endeavours to develop a robust platform from which future generations can thrive.

16

Fig. 3.4.1 Ecological hubs and linkages

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

Fig. 3.4.2 Area Wide Strategy
. 1. 

  
   
 

 

x?
Ballybough Rd.-

 
 

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Uharty Park
Bria??su'aetPart:

- The Royal Canal Linear Park
- Genital Mada Greening
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Church Rd,
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200 1000m 
 
 

17

3 . 5   O P E N SPACE PROJ ECTS
3.5.1 Diamond Park
Diamond Park located on Gardiner Street is a popular and actively used
neighbourhood park. In 2018 Dermot Foley Landscape Architects were
appointed to facilitate the development of a master plan for the refurbishment
of this park. Local workshops are planned for the autumn of 2018. The strategic
intention is that this amenity will continue to serve the community as an active
urban recreational park with improved facilities and new opportunities for all
ages and abilities.

Fig. 3.5.1 Location of Diamond Park

18

Existing: View from the south-west corner of Diamond Park

Precedent: Urban park sports court

Existing: Aerial view of Diamond Park

Precedent: Petanque court and sports court

Existing: Children’s playground located in Diamond Park

Precedent: Urban skate park

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

3.5.2  Mountjoy Square Park
A conservation plan and historic landscape study was conducted in 2014
by Howley Hayes Architects and Dermot Foley Landscape Architects for
the Mountjoy Square Society. The conservation plan considers the history
and development of Mountjoy Square spanning a period of 200 years,
identifying changes in planting, buildings and features. The plan highlights
the importance of Mountjoy Square as an Architectural Conservation Area,
and its need to be recognised an a significant part of the Georgian heritage
in Dublin. Guidance for ongoing maintenance and management is provided
as a means of ensuring the preservation of the landscape. A long term
management plan is suggested which integrates the importance of the park
as a place of cultural and historical significance, alongside supporting its use
as a valuable and popular amenity for residents and visitors. The conservation
strategy involves reinstating the historic layout of the park (see Figure 3.5.2b),
whilst making provisions for both active and passive recreation. Whilst in
the short term provision of active amenity resources is planned for, in the
longer term the vision is for predominantly passive usage with play facilities
still accommodated. A long term strategy for managing existing trees and
planning for their future replacement is also highlighted.
Some recommendations contained in the conservation plan and historic
landscape study include:
•  Public realm improvements in order to improve accessibility and visibility
of park entrances. This could include controlled pedestrian crossings to
be located at park entrances and good quality paving in keeping with the
historic nature of the area.

Fig. 3.5.2a Location of Mountjoy Square Park

•  Possible inclusion of bandstand / park shelter to host cultural events.  
 
•  Newly designed play area for different age groups.  
 
•  Potential removal of buildings once a suitable alternative location is found
in the nearby vicinity for community activities.

Fig. 3.5.2b Proposed Historic Layout Reinstatement

•  The restoration of the original park footpath network of wide curvings
pathways and a perimeter path, along with a central lawn and contoured
beds. 
 
•  Provision of new facilities such as a café and public toilets, creating a hub
of activity. An exhibition space for the history of the square and Georgian
Dublin may also be provided. 

19

 3.5.3  East Wall Open Space 
The area of East Wall located in the north eastern quadrant of the study area
comprises of predominantly residential land use with a distinct identity. The
area extends east of The Royal Canal and is bounded by West Road on the
western perimeter, East Wall Road to the north and East Road to the east. In
the 2016 Census the population of the area stood at 4,300 people.  
       

Although Fairview Park is a key amenity to the north of East Wall, there is an
evident lack of green space situated within the area; East Wall Recreational
Centre and MUGA’s within Sean O’Casey Community Centre and East Wall
Youth Centre act as the only green spaces. Accessible public green space
is provided at a rate of 0.89sqm per person, which is lower than the average
figure of 1.89sqm per person for the NEIC study area as a whole.

Existing: East Wall Recreational Centre play equipment

Existing: Open green space between Church Rd and East Rd

Fig. 3.5.3 Publically accessible green space within the East Wall Area

20

Existing: East Wall Men’s Shed in the grounds of Saint Joseph’s Catholic
Church

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

East Wall Open Space

Option A: Plan

Two proposals are suggested for improvements to East Wall Open Space.
The first shows a redesign where the existing community facility building is
retained and refurbished, whilst the second proposal removes the existing
building.
Both proposals for the space would include:
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Reduction in hard standing surfaces
Additional tree and ornamental planting
Improved play facility
Removal of surrounding railing
Surrounding road homezone treatment
Retention of existing astroturf pitch 

Ramping to
homezone area

One way traffic system
Tree planting along
boundary
Existing astroturf pitch
surrounded by high fence

Existing feature lime trees

Informal play elements on
a coloured tarmac surface

Existing building retained

Herbaceous planting mix

Existing: East Wall Recreational Centre - astroturf pitch

Sitting out area with gravel
surface and cycle stands

Sitting out space
with bespoke bench

Playground with mound
and play elements
Fence and hedging
with small tree planting
enclosing playground

Homezone surrounding
green space

Existing: Residential road surrounding the recreational centre

All plans shown in this document are preliminary and for the purposes of discussion only and are not fixed, all plans will be subject to further
consultation

21

 East Wall Open Space

Option B: Plan

Ramping to
homezone area
One way traffic system

Precedent: All weather sports pitch

Tree planting along
boundary
Existing astroturf pitch
surrounded by high
fence
Informal play elements
on a coloured tarmac
surface
Herbaceous planting
mix

Precedent: Playground with bark mulch safety surfacing

Sitting-out space with
bespoke bench

Sitting out area with gravel
surface and cycle stands

Existing feature lime trees

Playground with mound
and play elements
Fence and hedging
with small tree planting
enclosing playground

Homezone surrounding
green space

Precedent: Embankment slide on mounding

22

All plans shown in this document are preliminary and for the purposes of discussion only and are not fixed, all plans will be subject to further
consultation

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

3.5.4 City Farm, Dublin Port
The ‘City Farm’ project is proposed to be located on Alfie Byrne Road and is
part of the overall masterplan improvements at Dublin Port. The farm aims
to act as a visitor attraction as well as providing local children access to the
freedom of an urban farm in a landscaped setting. The concept is based on
the success of several city farm projects in London City. Discussions regarding the project are in progress with the Parks & Landscape Services of Dublin
City Council.

FAIRVIEW
PARK

Precedent: Spitalfields City Farm, London

Precedent: Vauxhall City Farm, London

Precedent: Hackney City Farm, London

Precedent: Vauxhall City Farm, London

Precedent: Hackney City Farm, London

Precedent: Vauxhall City Farm, London

ALFIE BYRNE RD

EAST WALL

Fig. 3.5.4 Approximate Location of Proposed City Farm

23

 3.5.5  The Royal Canal
The Royal Canal Greenway
A Part 8 process was undertaken in 2015 for plans to improve accessibility
along The Royal Canal. The Royal Canal Greenway (of which Phase 1 from
Guild Street to Sheriff Street was completed in 2012) seeks to create an
uninterrupted pedestrian and cycle way along the canal from Sheriff Street to
Ashtown, to be completed in 3 stages (Phase 02-04). The Greenway will act
as the starting point of an east to west route from Dublin to the west of Ireland
as proposed by Waterways Ireland.
The proposals for the Greenway aim to join the waterside routes along the
canal through connectivity and engineering improvements. This connectivity
along the canal is to be much welcomed and warranted; however, these
enhancements for pedestrian and cyclist connectivity must go in tandem with
public realm improvements to the spaces along the canal.
Further development of improved accessibility to the canal, the most significant
green amenity within the project area, is also required. An improvement of
connections to the various neighbourhoods which it passes through along its
route is vital in allowing the ease of use of this amenity.
The existing bridge crossings along arterial routes are an obvious starting
point for enhancing connectivity to the surrounding neighbourhoods. These
should be viewed as gateways to the canal and as such have an elevated
public realm (See Figure 3.5.5).

Phase 2 of The Royal Canal Greenway from Dublin City Council Part 8 Application

As identified within The Royal Canal Greenway Part 8 document additional
connection points for pedestrians/ cyclists could be provided such as at Oriel
Street Lower and Ferrymans Crossing.
Elsewhere, streets in proximity to the canal like Charleville Mall do little to
address their waterside location and could benefit from public realm and
greening improvements.
Visuals of Phase 2 of The Royal Canal Greenway from Dublin City Council Part 8 Application

24

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

Fig. 3.5.5   Existing and potential ‘gateways’ and entry points along The Royal Canal

25

 Royal Canal Linear Park
A proposal for a linear park along The Royal Canal was developed in 2008
by Agenceter for Dublin Docklands Development Authority. The proposal
incorporates the section of the canal stretching north from the River Liffey
to Newcomen Bridge, North Strand Road. It presents a vision for a linear
park along the canal, integrating the canal itself with its banks and creating a
physical and visual continuity. The proposal has a goal of reactivating the canal
with the provision of promenades, sports facilities and spaces for relaxation,
and through forming new connections with the surrounding neighbourhoods.
High levels of biodiversity are promoted within the proposal which consists
of a series of wet and dry gardens covering an area of over 6 hectares.
These comprise of water basins, native gardens with planted and lawn areas,
and exotic gardens with grass and perennial planting. Active areas are
proposed including a children’s play area, kayak club, skate park, multi-sport
platforms and boating facilities. Sports pitches are also suggested in the lands
immediately adjacent on the west bank of the canal.

Royal Canal Linear Park Masterplan, Agenceter Landscape Architects and Urban Designers

The proposal aims to transform the canal into an urban link, forming
connections between neighbourhoods, the Docklands and the rest of the city.
It includes a two way cycle path on the west bank and a pedestrian link on
both sides of the canal.

Visual of Royal Canal Linear Park, Agenceter Landscape Architects and Urban Designers

26

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

3.5.6  Liberty Park
The proposals for Liberty Park improvements would include:
•  Improved wayfinding and connectivity to the surrounding Talbot Street
Quarter
•  Improved pedestrian linkages though the park from Foley Street to
Railway Street and beyond to Sean MacDermott Street
•  Strengthened relationship of the park with Foley Street through removal
of plinth wall and railing
•  Refurbishment/ relocation of play area
•  Improved interaction between ground floor units and the park
•  Park public lighting & CCTV
•  Resurfacing of paths
•  Herbaceous & tree planting
•  Amphitheatre performance space
•  Skate bowl

Fig. 3.5.6 Location of Liberty Park

Existing: View of mature trees in Liberty Park

Precedent: Skate bowl in Weaver Park, Cork Street, Dublin

Existing: Marion Shrine within park

Precedent: Amphitheatre in Sheldon Square, London

Existing: Fenced off cr èche play area in north west corner

Precedent: Bespoke hardwood bench seating

27

 Liberty Park Plan View

2.0m buffer planting
Lawn / kickabout area

3.0m wide concrete
panel pathway

Playground enclosed by
fence and hedging

Seating area with
gravel surface
Amphitheatre
performance space

Specimen tree
Paved entrance to The
Steelworks

Paved area with linear
planting beds and café
frontages

Skate bowl
Park lighting

Open park frontage with
existing tree planting
Foley Street

Joyce’s Walk

28

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

Liberty Park Sketch View

Boundary railings removed.
Proposed café and shop frontages

Paved seating area

Playground enclosed by
fence and hedging

Linear planting beds with small
flowering trees

Open park frontage

All plans shown in this document are preliminary and for the purposes of discussion only and are not fixed, all plans will be subject to further consultation

Grass lawn with existing
and proposed tree planting
29

 3 . 6   TR E E PL ANTING ST RATEGY
The Dublin City Tree Strategy 2016 - 2020 highlights the importance of urban
trees and puts forward a vision for the long term management of public trees
in the city. It forms a framework for implementation of tree policies and puts
into place an action plan which highlights objectives and responsibilities.

Fig. 3.6.1 Key arterial routes and wide streets for proposed tree planting projects

In conjunction with this vision, the tree planting strategy within the North East
Inner City aims to increase the number of street trees in the area by taking full
advantage of opportunity locations for street tree planting. Figure 3.6.1 and
Figure 3.6.2 illustrate the streets identified as part of this study to be suitable
for new street tree planting.
The focus will be placed on planting long lived tree species where feasible.
Opportunity sites for street tree planting can be created through pavement
build-outs, particularly within the wide street network within the North East
Inner City and where parking spaces can be omitted. This approach ensures
that trees are not planted within close proximity to buildings and over utilities
located beneath footpaths (See Appendices which illustrates whereby omitting
every third parking bay, a space of approximately 18m from tree centre to
centre is achieved, allowing for the planting of large species). Smaller tree
species could also be planted within street build-outs in small clusters in order
to emphasize their presence. The tree pit surface also provides the opportunity
for groundcover planting and the provision of seating or cycle stands.
The strategy proposes that the species selection is based upon the scale of
the street or space in which it is to be situated. Hence, wide streets such as
Killarney Street, North Circular Road and Dorset Street can accommodate
large tree species such as Lime Trees and London Planes (See section 3.7.4
and 3.7.5). Likewise, medium scale streets are suitable for medium sized trees
such as Birch and Turkish Hazel, whilst narrow residential streets such as
those in East Wall and North Strand are more suitable for small species such
as Pear and Hornbeam. (See Appendices for demonstration of this principle
and Section 3.7.6).

volume of 4 cubic meters of good quality growing medium (soil) and where
feasible rooting volumes of 12-16 cubic metres should be provided. This is the
equivalent of an area of an on-street parking space. It may be necessary to
utilise load bearing soils on busy sections of streets, in order for paving to be
placed on top of the tree pit.

In order to achieve high quality tree planting and to ensure that the trees can
reach their maximum potential it is important that tree pits are adequately
sized and properly prepared. Street tree pits should acquire a minimum rooting

An important benefit of tree pits is their ability to serve as a SuDS function,
whereby surface water run-off coming from hard surfaces and buildings can
be directed to tree pits. The soil within the tree pits then filters the water

30

before infiltration occurs into the ground or it overflows to the stormwater
sewer network. This assists in tackling localised flooding. This tree pit is
well established in some US cities including Seattle and Philadelphia. The
principles of the stormwater tree pit are further explained in the Appendices.

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

Fig. 3.6.2 Small scale streets for proposed tree planting projects

Precedent: Street tree planting and high quality paving treatment

Precedent: Residential large mature street tree planting

Precedent: Public linear roadside greenspace

31

 3 . 7   FU TURE T REE PL ANTIN G PR OJ EC TS
3.7.1  Sean MacDermott Street
Sean MacDermott Street is among one of the most recognised street names
within Dublin’s North East Inner City. Important buildings and landmarks are
located in the area, including the derelict former Magdalene Laundry site and
Aldborough House. The Home Statue can be found at the intersection of
Killarney Street and Sean MacDermott Street.
Sean MacDermott Street is another wide street, relatively traffic calmed
and with on street parking available on both sides for its entire length, much
of which would appear under utilised. A reduction of on street parking and
inclusion of build-outs could form part of greening measures along this street.

Fig. 3.7.1 Location of Sean MacDermott Street

32

Existing: Public Swimming Pool with Magdalene Laundry Building opposite

Precedent: Public bench seating and tree planting on gravel surface

Existing: Wide street with ample on street parking

Precedent: Large avenue street tree planting

Existing: Opportunistic pavement parking on open corners

Precedent: Street tree pit with groundcover planting

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

Sean MacDermott Street Plan View

Sitting out area with gravel
surface, specimen tree and
herbaceous planting

Proposed street trees in build-outs
with herbaceous planting understorey

Buckingham
Street Upper

Gloucester
Place Lower

Existing street trees

Gardiner Street
Buckingham
Street Lower

Gloucester
Place Lower

Pedestrian area realigned

Sitting out area with gravel
surface, specimen tree and
herbaceous planting

Number of parking spaces
reduced to allow for street tree
build-outs

All plans shown in this document are preliminary and for the purposes of discussion only and are not fixed, all plans will be subject to further consultation

33

 Sean MacDermott Street Sketch View

34

Proposed street trees in build-outs with
herbaceous planting understorey

Number of parking spaces reduced to
allow for street tree build-outs

All plans shown in this document are preliminary and for the purposes of discussion only and are not fixed, all plans will be subject to further consultation

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

3.7.2  Killarney Street
Along with Sean MacDermott Street, Killarney Street forms a key linking route
from the North Circular Road to the O’Connell Street area. Along this spine are
a number of proposed capital projects, from the redevelopment of Aldborough
House and the Magdalene Laundry site to the Cluid Housing regeneration at
Railway Street. The Home Statue memorial sculpture is situated at the western
end of Killarney Street, whilst the iconic Five Lamps stands at the junction of
Killarney Street and Seville Place. The later is a renowned structure created in
approximately 1880 as a memorial to Lieutenant General Henry Hall.
Killarney Street currently has a one way traffic system in place with traffic
calming in the form of carriageway narrowing at the junction with Buckingham
Street. The street is overly wide for a one way system and in that lies potential
for a creation of a linear pocket green space.

Existing: Home Statue memorial on Killarney Street

Precedent: Linear green space with seating and planting

Existing: Wide street with one way traffic system and on street parking

Precedent: SuDS features incorporated into street planting

Existing: View from Sean MacDermott Street showing traffic calming
carriageway narrowing

Precedent: Street seating and tree and ornamental planting

A reduction in carriageway width to approx. 3.5m would be more in line with
the one way traffic system. The extra space gained would enable the widening
of the pedestrian zone and presents opportunities for significant greening.

Fig. 3.7.2 Location of Killarney Street

35

 Killarney Street
Option A: Plan View
Existing lime trees under planted
with clipped evergreen hedging

On street parking removed and
carriageway reduced to 3.5m

Pedestrian zone increased and
linear green space created

Double staggered row of
street tree planting

‘Sheffield’ bike stands

Sean MacDermott Street

Buckingham
Street Lower

Large species
specimen tree
planting

Existing street trees

Ornamental planting beds

Killarney Street
Option B: Plan View
Existing lime trees under planted
with clipped evergreen hedging

Existing parking allocation
retained

SuDS street planters with tree
and herbaceous planting

1.2m parking access strip to
back of kerb

Sean MacDermott Street

Buckingham
Street Lower

Pavement level crossing
realigned
36

Existing street trees

Carriageway
reduced to 3.5m

All plans shown in this document are preliminary and for the purposes of discussion only and are not fixed, all plans will be subject to further consultation

Seating area

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

Killarney Street
Option A: Sketch View

Bench seating on a hard-binding
gravel surface

Carriageway reduced in
width to 3.5m

Sheffield bike stands

Street tree pits

Ornamental planting with double row of
street tree planting

All plans shown in this document are preliminary and for the purposes of discussion only and are not fixed, all plans will be subject to further consultation

37

 3.7.3 Summerhill
Summerhill / Ballybough Road is a key arterial route within the North East
Inner City, passing over The Royal Canal. It forms a junction with Gardiner
Street at the southern end and extends northwards to the Tolka River. The
streetscape has a low visual quality, with derelict buildings dispersed along the
length of the road. A notable feature on Summerhill is the stepped concrete
terrace on the most northern side of the road, designed to overcome the level
change locally.
Key interventions on Summerhill could include a retro fitting of the existing
central traffic median strip, under planting with herbaceous and hedging
species whilst retaining the existing trees.
The existing terrace of steps towards The Royal Canal end of Summerhill
presents an opportunity for significant public realm improvements and street
greening. Measures here could address the change of level; rebuilding and
replacing of the steps whilst including tree and ornamental planting beds to
create a separation from the carriageway.
The bridge crossing at Summerhill Parade presents an opportunity for public
realm improvements in association with The Royal Canal Greenway; it is a
nodal point of connection and gateway both onto the canal and into the city.

Fig. 3.7.3 Location of Summerhill

Existing: Stepped terrace and wall on Summerhill Parade

Existing: ‘Gateway’ to The Royal Canal from Summerhill Parade

38

Existing: Central median strip on Summerhill

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

Summerhill
Option A: Sketch View

Bespoke seating
incorporated into steps

Steps relaid in granite paving

Ornamental planting beds

All plans shown in this document are preliminary and for the purposes of discussion only and are not fixed, all plans will be subject to further consultation

Line of street trees

Street level planting bed with upstand
kerbing

39

 Summerhill
Option B: Plan View

Steps to address the level
change between the footpath
and road

Galvanised steel planter beds
with ornamental planting and
inset bench seating

Bench seating and tree and
groundcover planting. Hard
binding gravel pathway surface.

Richmond Cottages
North

The Royal
Canal

Tree pit with medium
sized species street tree
planting
40

Proposed 5m wide
walkway and two lane
cycleway along the canal

6m wide carriageway with
cycle lanes

On street parallel parking
bays

All plans shown in this document are preliminary and for the purposes of discussion only and are not fixed, all plans will be subject to further consultation

Proposed Toucan
crossing

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

Summerhill
Option B: Sketch View

Seating edge

Medium sized species street
tree planting

Steps reformed and paved in granite

Ornamental planting beds

Line of street trees

Galvanised steel planter to address level
difference between footpath and roadside

All plans shown in this document are preliminary and for the purposes of discussion only and are not fixed, all plans will be subject to further consultation

41

 3.7.4 North Circular Road
Section A-A: Existing

A

Existing
street tree

A

Private
property

Private
garden

Existing
street
parking

Location of section on North Circular Road

Existing
cycle lane

Section A-A: Possible Greening Intervention

Existing: view of North Circular Road

Footpath

42

Tree and groundcover planting

Footpath

Street
parking

Cycle lane

2 lane carriageway

Tree pit

Cycle track

All plans shown in this document are preliminary and for the purposes of discussion only and are not fixed, all plans will be subject to further consultation

Footpath

Precedent: Groundcover planting beds with tree planting

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy

3.7.5 Dorset Street
Section B-B: Existing

B
B
Tree planted
central median

Location of section on Dorset Street

Bus lane

Bus lane

Loading bay

Section B-B: Possible Greening Intervention

Existing: view of Dorset Street

Footpath

3 lane carriageway with bus lane

Planted central
median

3 lane carriageway with bus lane

All plans shown in this document are preliminary and for the purposes of discussion only and are not fixed, all plans will be subject to further consultation

Loading
Bay

Footpath

Possible greening intervention: planted central median

43

 3.7.6 Small scale residential street: Caledon Road, East Wall
Section C-C: Existing

C
C

Location of section on Caledon Road
Private
garden

Private
garden

Street parking

Section C-C: Possible Greening Intervention

Existing view of Caledon Road

Footpath

44

Street tree
build-out

Residential street

Street tree
Footpath
build-out

Precedents: Residential street with tree planting in build-outs (left);
example of small species tree Field Maple(right)

All plans shown in this document are preliminary and for the purposes of discussion only and are not fixed, all plans will be subject to further consultation

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy
3. 8  MICRO-PROJ ECT S
3.8.1 Oriel Street Upper Plaza

3.8.2 West Road, East Wall

A large hard-standing paved plaza is situated at the southern most end of
Oriel Street Lower in the Sheriff Street area. This has the potential to be transformed into a small pocket park with bench seating, tree planting and grass
lawn area.

West Road is situated along the western boundary of the East Wall Residential area and runs parallel to the railway network. Terraced housing and a
pavement exists on the eastern side of the road, whilst the western roadside
features a narrow pavement with tree planting and hence little space for pedestrian movement.
Proposed greening interventions here could include the planting of a herbaceous border amongst existing tree planting on the western side of the road.
The creation of this green verge would increase the local biodiversity value
and aesthetic quality of the roadside space.

Existing: hard-standing plaza on Oriel Street Lower
Existing: pavement with tree planting on West Road

Possible greening intervention at Oriel Street Lower

Possible greening intervention: herbaceous planted border on West Road

All plans shown in this document are preliminary and for the purposes of discussion only and are not fixed, all plans will be subject to further consultation

45

 3.8.3  Cluid Housing Regeneration - Railway Street

3.8.4 Belvedere Place Plaza

3.8.5 Forth Road, East Wall

The regeneration of St Mary’s Mansions on Railway Street will present an opportunity for public realm and greening improvements in and around the area
where the site bounds.

An island of hard-standing pavement exists at the wide road intersection of
Belvedere Place and North Circular Road. Potential greening interventions
in this location could include large sized species tree planting on grass lawn,
whilst retaining the surrounding pavement network.

Located in the north of the East Wall residential area, the large area of hardstanding pavement at the intersection of Forth Road and Bargy Road presents at opportunity for street greening. Possible greening interventions could
comprise of planting of medium-scale tree species with grass lawn.

A significant garden space is to be created in close proximity to the development due to the proposed set back of the buildings off Railway Street. This
open space combined with improvements to Gloucester Lane and its link
through to Railway Street and Liberty Park will potentially elevate the public
realm in the locality.

Existing: Aerial view of intersection of Forth Road and Bargy Road
Cluid Housing Regeneration - CGI View From Gloucester Place Lower

Existing: view of Belvedere Place Plaza

Cluid Housing Regeneration - CGI Aerial View

Possible greening intervention: tree planting with grass lawn

46

Possible greening intervention: tree planting with grass lawn, Forth Road

All plans shown in this document are preliminary and for the purposes of discussion only and are not fixed, all plans will be subject to further consultation

 The North East Inner City Greening Strategy
3. 9   PROJECT PHASIN G
This section of the report outlines the phasing of proposed projects previously
highlighted within this report. The projects and proposals are sub-categorised
into Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3, as shown in Figure 3.9.1.

Fig. 3.9.1 Phasing of key projects within the strategy

Budget Estimate Phase 1 (2018-2021)
Mountjoy Square
Diamond Park
Liberty Park
Tree Planting Projects
Killarney Street
Summerhill
Sean MacDermott Street
Dorset Street Phase 1 (Median Refurbishment)
East Wall Area (Residential Street Planting Stage 1)
North Strand Area (Residential Street Planting Stage 1)
Minor Projects
Belvedere Place Plaza
Guild Street Plaza
Guild Street Canal Walk
City Farm (Feasibility)
Community Planting Project (Area Wide Stage 1)
Budget Estimate Phase 2 (2021-2023)
East Wall Recreational Space
Royal Canal Linear Park (Feasibility)
Tree Planting Projects
Fitzgibbon Street
Belvedere Place
Dorset Street Phase 2 (Extension of Median - Feasibility)
East Wall Area (Residential Street Planting Stage 2)
North Strand Area (Residential Street Planting Stage 2)
Minor Projects
West Road Planting
Irvine Court Pocket Park
Oriel Street Plaza
Community Planting Project (Area Wide Stage 2)

Budget Estimate Phase 3 (2023-2026)
Sheriff Street Park (Feasibility)
Royal Canal Linear Park
Tree Planting Projects
Charles Street Great
East Wall Area (Residential Street Planting Stage 3)

North Strand Area (Residential Street Planting Stage 3)
Minor Projects
Sean O’Casey Community Centre Plaza
Forth Road
Community Planting Project (Area Wide Stage 3)

47

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