THE DARGAN BRIDGE

THERE ARE TWO TRAM STOPS IN DUNDRUM

THERE ARE TWO TRAM STOPS IN DUNDRUM [AND ONE FEATURES THE LANDMARK WILLIAM DARGAN BRIDGE]

A friend of mine owns a restaurant "Essence" in Dundrum so I decided to have lunch there but on my arrival I discovered that the restaurant was closed, I had forgotten that he had mentioned that they would not be open this Sunday. Anyway, my visit gave me the opportunity to photograph the William Dargan Suspension Bridge,

Key Features:

Cable-stayed design: The bridge is a cable-stayed bridge, meaning the deck is supported by cables running directly to a central tower or pylon. This design allows for longer spans and a more visually striking structure.  
Purpose: It carries the Green Line of the Luas over the busy Taney junction, where the R112 and R117 regional roads intersect. It also crosses the Slang River.  
Historical context: The bridge is built on the alignment of the former Harcourt Street railway line, which was closed in the 1950s. The new bridge facilitated the return of rail transport to this corridor.  
Named after William Dargan: The bridge is named after William Dargan (1799-1867), an important Irish railway contractor who was instrumental in developing Ireland's railway network in the 19th century.  
Significance:

Transport infrastructure: The bridge is a vital part of the Luas Green Line, enabling efficient and grade-separated movement of trams through a busy traffic intersection.  
Engineering achievement: The bridge's design and construction represent a significant engineering undertaking, particularly given the need to minimise disruption to traffic during construction.
Landmark: With its 50-meter-high pylon and distinctive cable arrangement, the bridge has become a recognisable landmark in the Dundrum area.  
Symbolic of regeneration: The bridge symbolises the regeneration of a former railway corridor for modern public transport use.
Additional details:

The bridge was opened in 2004 as part of the launch of the Luas Green Line.  
It has a total length of 162 meters.  
The main span is 108 meters long.  
The pylon is an inverted-Y shape and is made of reinforced concrete.  
The deck is supported by 13 pairs of high-tensile steel cables.  
Overall, the William Dargan Bridge is a well-designed and important piece of infrastructure that plays a key role in Dublin's public transport system. It also serves as a reminder of Ireland's railway heritage and a symbol of modern urban development.

Essence Patisserie is a casual, cozy spot with a warm and inviting atmosphere. It's a great place to enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or to simply relax with a cup of coffee and a pastry. The menu features a variety of fresh and flavourful dishes, including sandwiches, wraps, bagels, and more. The staff are friendly and attentive, and the service is excellent. Of course I am somewhat biased.