BENBURB STREET - THE SECTION NEAREST PARKGATE STREET
Benburb Street, located in Dublin, has a rich and complex history, evolving from a red-light district to a street marked by historical landmarks and public spaces. While Collins Barracks is a significant attraction, the street also features two parks commemorating the 1798 rebellion, which have faced challenges with anti-social behaviour.
The Croppies' Memorial Parks:
The two parks on Benburb Street, though distinct, are both dedicated to the memory of the 1798 rebellion.
Croppies Memorial Park: This smaller "pocket park" is located closer to Heuston Station. It features a water feature that houses the Anna Livia sculpture.
Croppies Acre 1798 Memorial Park: The larger of the two, this park provides more extensive green space.
It's important to note that while they are referred to by different names, they are conceptually linked by their shared purpose of commemorating the 1798 rebellion. They can be considered as two sections of a larger memorial space, divided by the urban landscape.
Anna Livia:
The Anna Livia sculpture, officially titled "Anna Livia Fountain", is a work by the Irish sculptor Eamonn O'Doherty. It depicts Anna Livia Plurabelle, a character from James Joyce's novel "Finnegans Wake", who personifies the River Liffey. Originally installed on O'Connell Street in 1988, it was removed from O'Connell Street in 2001, not 2011. The reasons for its removal were twofold: to facilitate the construction of the Spire of Dublin (which replaced Nelson's Pillar, not Anna Livia directly) and due to concerns about anti-social behaviour and litter accumulation around the fountain.
The sculpture spent a decade in storage before being relocated to Croppies Memorial Park on Benburb Street in 2011. The relocation has been criticised for not adequately replicating the original setting. On O'Connell Street, the sculpture was positioned within a larger water feature that provided visual and structural support, particularly for the reclining figure's back. In its current location, the sculpture appears to be awkwardly placed, with the lack of back support creating an impression that it is "propped up" rather than naturally reclining. This change in context has detracted from the artistic intent and the aesthetic appeal of the sculpture.
Anti-social Behaviour and Park Management:
The larger of the two parks, Croppies Acre 1798 Memorial Park, has historically struggled with anti-social behaviour, leading to periods of closure. This issue is not uncommon in urban parks, particularly those located in areas with social challenges. The decision to implement 24-hour opening, while seemingly counterintuitive, has proven to be an effective strategy in some cases.
The rationale behind this approach is that increased visibility and usage can deter anti-social activity. When a park is open at all times, it is more difficult for individuals to engage in illicit activities without being observed. Additionally, a constant flow of people through the park can create a sense of community ownership and discourage undesirable behaviour. This approach suggests a shift from reactive measures (such as closures) to proactive strategies that focus on creating a safer and more welcoming environment.
Conclusion:
Benburb Street offers a glimpse into Dublin's layered history, from its past as a red-light district to its present as a site of commemoration and cultural interest. The two Croppies' Memorial Parks, while facing challenges, serve as important reminders of the 1798 rebellion. The relocation of the Anna Livia sculpture highlights the complexities of urban planning and the importance of considering the artistic integrity of public artworks. The approach to managing anti-social behaviour in the parks demonstrates the evolving strategies employed to create safer and more accessible public spaces.
The Croppies' Memorial Parks:
The two parks on Benburb Street, though distinct, are both dedicated to the memory of the 1798 rebellion.
Croppies Memorial Park: This smaller "pocket park" is located closer to Heuston Station. It features a water feature that houses the Anna Livia sculpture.
Croppies Acre 1798 Memorial Park: The larger of the two, this park provides more extensive green space.
It's important to note that while they are referred to by different names, they are conceptually linked by their shared purpose of commemorating the 1798 rebellion. They can be considered as two sections of a larger memorial space, divided by the urban landscape.
Anna Livia:
The Anna Livia sculpture, officially titled "Anna Livia Fountain", is a work by the Irish sculptor Eamonn O'Doherty. It depicts Anna Livia Plurabelle, a character from James Joyce's novel "Finnegans Wake", who personifies the River Liffey. Originally installed on O'Connell Street in 1988, it was removed from O'Connell Street in 2001, not 2011. The reasons for its removal were twofold: to facilitate the construction of the Spire of Dublin (which replaced Nelson's Pillar, not Anna Livia directly) and due to concerns about anti-social behaviour and litter accumulation around the fountain.
The sculpture spent a decade in storage before being relocated to Croppies Memorial Park on Benburb Street in 2011. The relocation has been criticised for not adequately replicating the original setting. On O'Connell Street, the sculpture was positioned within a larger water feature that provided visual and structural support, particularly for the reclining figure's back. In its current location, the sculpture appears to be awkwardly placed, with the lack of back support creating an impression that it is "propped up" rather than naturally reclining. This change in context has detracted from the artistic intent and the aesthetic appeal of the sculpture.
Anti-social Behaviour and Park Management:
The larger of the two parks, Croppies Acre 1798 Memorial Park, has historically struggled with anti-social behaviour, leading to periods of closure. This issue is not uncommon in urban parks, particularly those located in areas with social challenges. The decision to implement 24-hour opening, while seemingly counterintuitive, has proven to be an effective strategy in some cases.
The rationale behind this approach is that increased visibility and usage can deter anti-social activity. When a park is open at all times, it is more difficult for individuals to engage in illicit activities without being observed. Additionally, a constant flow of people through the park can create a sense of community ownership and discourage undesirable behaviour. This approach suggests a shift from reactive measures (such as closures) to proactive strategies that focus on creating a safer and more welcoming environment.
Conclusion:
Benburb Street offers a glimpse into Dublin's layered history, from its past as a red-light district to its present as a site of commemoration and cultural interest. The two Croppies' Memorial Parks, while facing challenges, serve as important reminders of the 1798 rebellion. The relocation of the Anna Livia sculpture highlights the complexities of urban planning and the importance of considering the artistic integrity of public artworks. The approach to managing anti-social behaviour in the parks demonstrates the evolving strategies employed to create safer and more accessible public spaces.
BENBURB STREET - THE SECTION NEAREST PARKGATE STREET