2.1.9 Contemporary Dublin

The growth internationally of concern for the natural environment, particularly in the second half of the 20th century, influenced the city landscape through designations and management for conservation value.

Following the Planning and Development Act of 1963, the first Special Amenity Area Order was made for Liffey Valley (1987) and subsequently for North Bull Island (1994) and Howth (1999). Irishtown Nature Park (1987) which was formed on a landfill site and the linear parks along other city rivers (Camac, Dodder and Tolka), have all enhanced and conserved the natural environment within the city as well as creating recreational assets such as walking and cycling routes.

Contemporary global environmental issues of sustainability, biodiversity and climate change now influence decisions in the design and management of city parks and natural areas. The Planning and Development Act, 2000 also brought about significant changes in how the city has developed with a strong emphasis on the principles of sustainable development. The enhancement and provision of natural resources can be seen in the development of constructed wetlands at the Tolka Valley Nature Park as well as the introduction of a Biodiversity Action Plan.

The majority of the City Council administrative area is now developed with little green-field lands left. This has resulted in intensified development density toward the city centre, which raises particular issues for the city landscape. These include reduction of private open space for residents and a reliance on public parks for recreation, drainage problems due to the increased run off from man-made surfaces, pressure on space for good tree growth and pressure on historic parks to fulfil less compatible functions.

Demand for land has, however, promoted urban regeneration with the transformation of Ballymun and the docklands as primary examples. Institutional lands, many with significant attendant grounds, are also being redeveloped with impact on original parkland style landscapes that surround their buildings.

International influence is also a trend in contemporary provision of public space in the city. Design competitions and direct appointments, such as for the award winning Fr. Collins Park and Grand Canal Square, have allowed for the creation of parks by designers from abroad and introduced fresh thinking and inspiring new places. The adoption of contemporary new design is balanced by advancing the conservation and restoration of Dublin’s historic designed landscapes. To this end, conservation and restoration plans are underway for the City Council’s earlier parks which complement the fine work undertaken by the Office of Public Works on their city parks, notably the National Botanic Gardens, where restoration of the glasshouses received a Europa Nostra award.