Page:Irish Builder - Volume 1-3.pdf/17

JAN. 1, 1859.]

, perhaps, since the days of James Gandon and Francis Johnston, to whose genius we are indebted for those designs which have rendered our buildings architecturally celebrated, was progress in the beautification of our metropolis and the improvement of its thoroughfares more manifest than at present. On all sides we hear of extensive works projected, and some of those for a length of time regarded as hearsay and mere idle rumour, have assumed a tangible shape, and are in course of completion.

Foremost we notice our Railway Companies contributing their quota, and taking steps to facilitate public conveyance and meet the requirements of increasing traffic by the extension of their lines, or the erection of additional buildings at their present termini. The Liffey branch, from the Broadstone terminus to the North Wall, is a project of much national importance, and a necessary consequence on the unprecedented success of the “Lever Transatlantic Line,” to the spirited originator of which all honour is due. To those who have not inspected the map of this line—which has been prepared at the establishment of a fellow-citizen, and as a work of topographical skill and excellence, reflects on him the highest credit*—we may remark, that the line will branch by a curve near the terminal buildings, and run almost parallel with the north-easterly side of the Royal Canal, of which the Midland Great Western Railway Company are likewise the proprietors, to a point on North Wall Quay, beyond the last swivel-bridge. The bill will be brought before parliament in February; but lines of deviation being reserved at either side, it would be impossible, in the present stage of proceedings, to define the exact route. It may not be generally known that at the Galway end of this railway a branch is in actual course of construction, from Eyre-square terminus to the docks, thereby ensuring direct railway communication from our quays to the pier whence the trans-Atlantic vessels start. The costly and beautifully executed terminal buildings of this company have, to a great extent, been hidden from public view, owing to the extremely narrow approach thereto by Upper Dominick-street; but this defect is in course of being obviated by the construction of a new street from the Broadstone to the Four Courts via portion of Church-street, near to the wing now being erected by Mr. Meade, under the Board of Public Works. Some deviations, however, have been made from the original plan, and the project is likely to be more comprehensive than was at first intended. While in this locality, we direct our footsteps towards the new bridge, destined to supply the place of that time-honoured, but dilapidated, structure familiarly known as “Bloody Bridge.” Considerable progress has been made; and the river will be spanned by a single arch resting against chiselled granite abutments, and with cast iron openwork parapets, &c., the design having some architectural merit combined with simplicity and appropriateness. To the Ballast Corporation, and the skill of the engineer, Mr. George Halpin, are the citizens indebted for this decided improvement, as also for the recently erected and beautiful graving dock near the North Wall point, and the two timber wharves in course of erection near Wapping and Fish-streets.

Perhaps the project which commands the greatest share of public attention is the contemplated street,


 * Mr. E. J. Harty, Lithographer, &c., Ulster Chambers, Dame-st.

the continuation of Dame-street—to the terminus of the Great Southern and Western Railway, at King's Bridge; and though many doubt its feasibility, we are assured that it is in a fairer way of speedy accomplishment than is generally believed, and that several influential noblemen and gentlemen have taken it up in right earnest, and doubtless will carry it through; so that we may look forward to its completion before many more summers shall have passed over our heads. To save misunderstanding, however, it is well to state, that the parties identified with this undertaking are an independent body, having no connection collectively with our local Corporation, which is unquestionably an advantage rather than otherwise. The roadway will be 60 feet, with pathways at either side of 20 feet, making a total of 100 feet. The metamorphis which will be effected in the various localities through which it is proposed to pass, is palpable; and narrow and crooked streets, with their ruinous and confined dwellings will be razed, and give place to a wide thoroughfare with ranges of first-class commercial establishments at either side. This, at least, is the project; and we doubt not that if carried out at all, it will be in its entirety; and that intending builders will be bound substantially to a plan, so as to ensure uniformity.

We should mention that the designer of this great scheme is Mr. Louch, a local architect and C.E., to whom the citizens have already been under obligations for metropolitan improvements, the result of his valuable suggestions.

Again, in the neighbourhood of Amiens-street, important works are proposed to be carried out by the Dublin and Drogheda Railway Company, in the widening of their present line at the terminus; and the area comprehended by this proposal will embrace many of the ranges of dwellings parallel to, and at right angles, or nearly so, with the railway, which must de necessitate be removed, including Halpin's-row, Inkerman, portion of Preston-street, &c., as also the waste ground both in front and rere; and which, when effected, will cause a great and desirable change. The inclined approach for goods to the railway will be opposite to the quoin of terminus at the other side of the roadway, leading to Sheriff-street, and for some distance will run parallel to Amiens-street, curving towards the line. In the immediate vicinity, buildings of a domestic class have sprung up rather more rapidly of late years than might have been anticipated from the nature of the site, which not very long since was regarded as an almost irreclaimable swamp; and we know that many others are now in contemplation, which fully evidence that the north side is manifestly improving, and land formerly pronounced valueless, to be capable of reproduction to the owners. Passing to the south side we find the same steady march in the path of improvement which has so long characterized Rathmines, Rathgar, Roundtown, &c., where villas, single and semi-detached, terraces, &c., are springing up with an almost fairy-like rapidity, and the green sward speedily gives way to macadamized roads and populous thoroughfares, justifying the supposition that there is a universal move in that direction. We hear of a new religious edifice being intended, but do not countenance, as a general principle, the spirit which guides professional gentlemen to tender their services gratuitously, as in the first place it damages the interests of others, and is rarely prompted by any other feeling than that of gratifying vanity.