A PLAN to reverse the “blight, dereliction and vacancy” of one of Dublin’s most historic streets will today be published by the Dublin Civic Trust.
The Thomas Street: Improving the Public Face of an Historic City Centre Street plan aims to better the appearance of the street through the restoration of its historic buildings, the promotion of indigenous businesses and the development of visitor attractions.
Despite being the commercial heart of the Liberties, the street underwent a slow but continual decline in the 20th century, with dereliction and demolition creating gaps in the streetscape. Much historic architecture, including some early 18th-century merchant houses, remained but became hidden beneath modern facades, and often the fabric became substantially damaged.
The street particularly suffered during the boom years. While other historic parts of the city benefited from regeneration and restoration, Thomas Street fell prey to “site assembly”, where groups of buildings were bought up for large-scale development but remained disused and, as the economy collapsed, became increasingly dilapidated. This resulted in a reduction in footfall and a closure of surrounding businesses.
However, many fine landmark buildings remain, including the church of Saint Augustine and St John the Baptist, which has the highest steeple in the city, St James’s Graveyard, and St Catherine’s Church – the site of Robert Emmet’s execution – plus the Guinness brewery and storehouse.
The street has the benefit of a major educational institution in the National College of Art and Design and the potential for high-value job creation in the Digital Hub. It is not just one of the oldest thoroughfares in the city but in the whole country, as it follows the route of Slige Mór, one of the four ancient highways of Ireland, according to the report.
In architectural terms, it exceeds the status of modest market and retail streets such as Camden Street and Capel Street, the report says, with several grand set-piece buildings offset by more modest structures. However, while the imposing churches and industrial and large commercial premises such as the former Blanchardstown Mill (now a Lidl supermarket) give the street its imposing air, it is the well proportioned merchant houses and shops that give the street its quality.
The report puts forward restoration proposals for locations along the street, including some boarded-up shops where Georgian facades are concealing “Dutch Billy” houses, distinctive gable fronted buildings dating from the early 18th century and predating the traditional Georgian style.
In other areas, such as the semi-demolished buildings next to Vicar Street, it recommends contemporary infill in a sympathetic style, avoiding pastiche. The report also recommends the removal of unnecessary street clutter, particularly redundant poles and the widening of footpaths.
The trust said it recognised funds were limited. It recommends the establishment of a facade restoration fund of €100,000 as a joint venture between the National Lottery, Fáilte Ireland and the city council.
A small level of investment from businesses on the street could also realise a major benefit to the street and the businesses, it said.
