IN MUCH BETTER CONDITION THAN WHEN I FIRST PHOTOGRAPHED IT

Eamon O’Doherty’s Wind Sail Sculpture on Clontarf Promenade: A Landmark Amidst Change

The Clontarf promenade is a cherished local amenity, offering sweeping views across Dublin Bay and serving as a crucial flood defence for the area. Historically, Clontarf was highly susceptible to flooding, particularly during southeasterly gales, but the promenade’s construction has been instrumental in protecting local homes and businesses.

As you approach the promenade, you’ll be looking for the distinctive “Wind Sail Sculpture” by Derry-born artist Eamon O’Doherty. However, be aware that navigating the immediate area as a pedestrian is currently quite challenging. Extensive flood defence construction work is ongoing, meaning you’ll encounter a maze of diversions, temporary fencing, and an array of huge sandbags. This work, while vital for the long-term protection of Clontarf, does make for a rather difficult and obstructed walk in the vicinity of the sculpture. We recommend exercising caution and patience as you make your way through this section.

The Artist and His Legacy

Eamon O’Doherty (1939-2011) was a prolific artist, celebrated for his large-scale public sculptures. His artistic footprint extends globally with over 40 works worldwide, and more than 30 enriching various locations across Ireland. Dublin is particularly fortunate to host six of O’Doherty’s significant pieces. These include the striking “Golden Tree” at Central Bank Plaza, the moving James Connolly Memorial at Butt Bridge, and the affectionately known “Floozy in the Jacuzzi” fountain, which, after originally gracing O’Connell Street, now resides in Croppies Memorial Park.

The Wind Sail Sculpture: A Kinetic Comeback

The “Wind Sail Sculpture”, unveiled in 1988, was ingeniously designed as a kinetic artwork, intended to respond dynamically to the wind. Unfortunately, by 2009, years of exposure to the elements had left the sculpture immobile and corroded. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of local artist Anne McGill [I visited her local studio a few years ago], who spearheaded a vital restoration project, the “Wind Sail Sculpture” has been meticulously brought back to its original splendour. It now stands proudly once more, not only as a testament to O’Doherty’s innovative artistic vision but also to the Clontarf community’s commitment to preserving its public art for future generations.

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FELLOWS SQUARE TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN

very dark maroon, in my images, it appears to be a deep, almost black, metallic hue, contrasting with the more commonly observed vibrant red or blue Calder ‘stabiles’ often seen in public spaces. This particular piece, as described by Paul Koralek, stands out not only due to its origin and placement but also its impressive scale, designed to complement the grandeur of Fellows’ Square.

Unlike the “red metal yokes” commonly associate with Irish towns and villages, “Cactus Provisoire” possesses a unique significance. It was specifically selected by Paul Koralek, architect of notable Trinity College buildings, for its “outstanding quality and substantial size” following a generous initiative by George Dawson. The process of its acquisition, visiting Calder’s widow and choosing from a field of large sculptures, underscores its artistic merit and intentional placement as a major artwork within a significant academic institution.

The sculpture itself is a ‘stabile,’ a term coined by Jean Arp to describe Calder’s stationary, abstract sculptures, as opposed to his famous ‘mobiles.’ “Cactus Provisoire” features multiple, interlocking, and somewhat organic-looking forms crafted from metal sheets, riveted together. These forms extend outwards, giving the impression of a dynamic, albeit static, object. The interplay of curved and pointed elements creates a sense of tension and balance, characteristic of Calder’s work. The dark, almost industrial, finish allows its form and the interplay of light and shadow on its surfaces to be the primary focus, rather than a vibrant colour.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY WILLIAM MURPHY

Geographical and Historical Context of the Parnell Street/Ryder’s Row Triangle Area

The Ryder’s Row Triangle, an area bounded by Ryder’s Row, Capel Street, and Parnell Street, has long been identified as a critical zone suffering from urban decay and anti-social behaviour in Dublin’s city centre. This deterioration reflects the wider economic decline that impacted inner-city Dublin during the latter half of the 20th century.

The area’s historical significance, particularly Capel Street, which was laid out in the late 17th century and boasts unique architectural heritage such as ‘Dutch Billy’ houses, adds complexity to any modern redevelopment. Understanding this rich historical fabric is crucial for appreciating the challenges and sensitivities inherent in contemporary urban revitalisation efforts here.

The Parnell Street Hotel Development

The proposed hotel development site is substantial, encompassing Nos. 3, 4, 5, and 6 Parnell Street, and Nos. 58 and 59 Capel Street, with its rear boundary extending to Jervis Lane Upper. The primary site area was initially 895 square metres, but has expanded with the integration of 57a Jervis Lane Upper.

Protected Structure Status

No. 3 Parnell Street is a designated protected structure (RPS Ref. 6422). This three-storey over basement building, dating from the 18th or early 19th century, is in very poor condition. Its protected status mandates stringent requirements for any alterations, requiring supervision by a qualified conservation professional throughout all works.

Nos. 58 and 59 Capel Street, despite undergoing substantial demolition in the approved plans, are recognised for their heritage value. Dublin City Council proposed their inclusion in the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) as “Early Buildings” appearing on Roque’s map of 1756. This recognition led to conditions for facade retention and preservation of key internal structures, even if formal protected status was pending at the time of initial planning approval.

The property at 57a Jervis Lane Upper is within the curtilage of Protected Structure No. 57 Capel Street (RPS No. 1182), necessitating a sensitive approach to its refurbishment and change of use.

Ryder’s Row Triangle: Analysis of Urban Decay and Regeneration Initiatives

Factors Contributing to Urban Decay

Historical and Economic Decline: The Ryder’s Row Triangle, like much of inner-city Dublin, experienced significant economic decline in the latter half of the 20th century. This led to widespread business closures and property dilapidation, a common pattern in historic urban cores struggling to adapt to evolving economic landscapes.

Impact of Suburbanisation and Online Retail: The rise of suburban shopping centres and online retail fundamentally altered consumer behaviour, diverting activity from traditional high street shops. This directly contributed to increased commercial vacancy and neglect in areas like Capel Street and the Ryder’s Row Triangle.

Social Factors: Derelict buildings and vacant spaces in the Ryder’s Row Triangle attracted anti-social behaviour, fostering a negative public perception. The “appearance of ruin,” including dilapidated structures, an unkempt bicycle shop, and graffiti, actively discouraged footfall and deterred adjacent property owners from investing. The “Reimagining Dublin One” report highlights how such vacant spaces contribute to perceptions of safety problems, exacerbated by blank walls, rubbish piles, and evidence of rough sleeping and drug use.

Fragmented Property Ownership: Fragmented property ownership has been a significant impediment to comprehensive redevelopment. Dublin City Council’s use of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the bicycle yard and other properties implicitly confirms this challenge, as CPOs are typically used when voluntary acquisition or consolidation of multiple, often uncooperative, ownerships proves difficult.

Significant Obstacles to Regeneration

The Dutch Billy House on Capel Street: The Dutch Billy house at 66 Capel Street (Reg No. 50010593) is a nationally important protected structure, built between 1716 and 1719. As a rare and intact example of Dublin’s pre-Georgian architectural heritage, its protected status means any redevelopment in its vicinity must be highly sensitive to its character, often imposing strict limitations on height, massing, and design. This prioritisation of historical preservation can significantly challenge regeneration efforts.

The Bicycle Yard on Ryder’s Row: The well-known bicycle yard, located at Nos. 13, 14/15 Ryder’s Row and 218-222 Parnell Street, was a “previously uncooperative” obstacle. It was explicitly included in the “Ryder’s Row/Parnell Street/Capel Street Area Compulsory Purchase (Residential/Commercial Development) Order, 2019.” Dublin City Council formally took possession of these lands on 14 November 2022, confirming its status as an obstacle that has now been addressed through public acquisition.

Recent Regeneration Developments

Relocation Status of the Bicycle Yard: The bicycle yard, a long-standing impediment, has been addressed. Dublin City Council successfully acquired the properties associated with the bicycle sales outlet through a CPO initiated in 2019, taking formal possession on 14 November 2022. This removes a significant obstacle, paving the way for future residential and commercial development.

Current Status of Derelict Buildings: Claims that “the derelict buildings on Parnell Street remain a concern” are accurate. Dublin City Council’s Derelict Sites Register, updated as of 9 May 2025, lists 77 Parnell Street and 78 Parnell Street, Dublin 1, as derelict sites, subject to an annual levy. While specific Capel Street properties aren’t listed, the “Reimagining Dublin One” report generally notes that vacant and derelict buildings across Dublin One are a “large drag” on the area, hindering vibrancy.

Wider Regeneration Plans for the Ryder’s Row Triangle: While the acquisition of key sites via CPO demonstrates Dublin City Council’s intent, and the area is identified as a Strategic Development Regeneration Area (SDRA) within the Dublin City Development Plan, detailed, overarching “concrete plans” for the entire triangle beyond the acquired CPO sites and the hotel development are not yet publicly detailed as approved projects. The SDRA designation implies a strategic framework emphasising high architectural quality, urban greening, and mixed uses, aligning with community aspirations for a more complete community with mixed uses, green space, and a vibrant public realm. This indicates a long-term, incremental approach rather than a single, fully implemented master plan.

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