John Conroy & Mary Mooney The Studio

Transcription

1 Introduction The following report is in relation to Your City Your Voice, Draft Dublin City Public Realm Strategy. The Studio was asked by the Public Realm Strategy Group to carry out an engagement with the public in relation to public space. The Studio is a multi-disciplinary unit within the City Managers Department of Dublin City Council. The objective of The Studio is to highlight and network existing City Council innovative projects and to design with others relevant new projects and initiatives for the benefit of the City, and the Council. The public realm is an important part of Dublin s identity and how we want to present ourselves to others. It contributes to Dublin s competitiveness both by influencing the image of the City abroad and by being attractive for people who live and work here or come to visit The purpose of the Street Conversations was to engage with people of different ages and backgrounds, to explore what they liked / disliked and also what they felt could be improved on Dublin streets. We carried out the Street Conversations over a period of four days, speaking to 493 people, across eleven different locations around the city centre. Information gathered from the Street Conversations will further inform the next stage of the Your City, Your Voice: Draft Dublin City Public Realm Strategy. We hope you gain insight and knowledge from the following report. John Conroy & Mary Mooney The Studio 1

2 Contents: Introduction The Process Location Summary Street Conversations-Age Profile What People Wish For The City Streets People Feel Need To Be Improved Where People Are From Common Themes Going Forward With Public Engagement Acknowledgements Maps: 1. What People are saying 2. Likes and Dislikes by street location 3. Sample of suggested improvements 2

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4 Questions asked: The Process: What do you like about this street /space? What 3 things do you not like about this street / space? How would you improve it? How does this street/space make you feel? If you were Lord Mayor for the day/had a magic wand, what street or space would you improve in the City? With this process we find that we rarely had to stop people as they were curious about what we were doing. Once we had one or two people in conversation others approach us voluntarily. What is going on was a common question from the public. We try and fill in all the replies to the questions ourselves using the words of the respondents, not interpreting them, while allowing them the freedom to continue talking uninterrupted. It works Why use this process for engaging: It engages with a large number of people It is a positive experience for staff and also for the people we speak to It makes people curious e.g. colourful questionnaires,cardboard boxes, posters It puts a face to Dublin City Council in a different form The public / businesses appreciate this type of engagement It is not a box ticking exercise It is informal and low cost It is inclusive of age, background and ethnicity It is open, honest, flexible and encourages staff and the organisation to listen It gives a voice to people who normally may not get a chance to have their opinion heard We take pictures of people with their statement, an image speaks volumes We spoke to 493 people during the 4 days When/where? Date Thursday 3 rd November (Night time) Friday 4 th November Saturday 5 th November Monday 7 th November Location Abbey Street. Camden Street, Aungier Street, Wexford Street, Parnell Street, Nth Great Georges Street and MountJoy Square. Thomas Street. Meath Street, Thomas Street, Francis, Street, Manor Street, Ellis Quay, Arran Quay. 4

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6 Abbey Street (Theatre Side and Flowing Tide) Responses: 50 Time: Evening pm Top Likes Top dislikes Insights: Abbey Theatre and area around it, Shops, Buildings Drug problem, Dirty/ Grey, Clutter on paths This is a street of two sides, split down the middle by the Luas line. The dislike of this street and the fear present was palpable. People were in a great hurry to get off the street. The expression of this was much deeper on the Flowing Tide side, more so than outside the Abbey Theatre. Some respondents outside the Flowing Tide drew attention to how ugly they see the Abbey Theatre building. There were a lot of people hanging around whom respondents informed us were selling drugs. It should be noted that there was a strong Garda presence on the night we were there. Abbey Theatre and area around it: Likes: The Abbey Theatre came up number one, with an emphasis on the width of the paths outside. Lights from the city (Glow) makes it feel vibrant Feel of Peacock History Shops: The shops on this street were seen as important, as well as the variety. Small shops selling groceries, confectionery and travel agents. I feel it is part of me Happy-Lucky to be working Really busy Buildings: The different types of buildings on the street were mentioned. Wynn s Hotel front Give art collectives free rein VHI building 6

7 Dislikes: Drug problem: People on Abbey Street spoke about: Drugs, Clutter on the paths as well as a sense of darkness and dirt. People were able to point out groups of youths and middle aged people hanging around and being a nuisance to those passing through. Some of this is around the Luas stop and in areas of darkness on the street. Junkies taking over the city Ban all methadone clinics Dangerous Dirty and Grey: It is certainly a grey and dark street, with people pointing towards street lighting turning on and off at regular intervals near bus stops. The dirt referred to comes from the lack of greenery and the graffiti on closed shops and lack of lighting. There was no sign of paper, cans or glass on the street. There was some evidence of chewing gum and cigarette butts. Where are the children? No real feeling Sick Clutter on paths: This related to slow changing traffic lights outside the Flowing Tide public house and the utility boxes on the street. These issues along with the large volume of people moving through the street, quickly, magnify the problem. The land the Celtic tiger forgot Tourists should avoid it Clean it up Other issues raised: People spoke about homelessness on the street, although they wish to see them off the street they feel they should be looked after. Prostitution was also commented on. There is also the need for covered areas on the street e.g. awnings on the shop fronts and greenery including trees. Crowded bus stops were seen as an issue for some people. People spoke of urination and the smell emanating from this on the street. Perhaps this indicates a need for public toilets in this area. 7

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9 Arran Quay Responses: 10 Time: Daytime Likes: Dislikes: Insights: River, Bridges, buildings Buildings, Congestion/ Movement, Paving People felt that more could be done with Arran Quay although people feel there are enough businesses, with nice restaurants and bars along the quay. The condition of the pavement may also link into how people move along a street as they tend to move more slowly /carefully as they will be very cautious about where they are walking. People spoke about pavement as a dislike on the quay. The general feel for Arran Quay was cold, there was no sense of connection. People felt they could not relax, it is drab, rundown and old. Antisocial behaviour was mentioned on a low scale. Likes: River: The river was a common like from people on the quays, they liked that the river was near, it was natural. People also spoke about seeing the skyline, River Gives Open Feel Natural nature in City Near the river Bridges, Buildings: They like the old buildings and the bridges. People link the bridges / buildings to heritage. Bridges old structures Dublin Old buildings, Historical Quarter Old Stone Walls and bridges Buildings: Dislikes: People on Arran Quay spoke about their dislike of the buildings along the quay because they were run-down, empty and dilapidated. Looks a bit drabbish Lots of empty old buildings Buildings not modernised 9

10 Movement: People spoke about movement in terms of traffic and people. For people it is hard to move around due to the volume of traffic on the quays. It is heavy, fast moving, not people friendly with the volume of traffic it is difficult to cross the street. People spoke of the strong fumes coming from traffic, it is not a place to stop, there is no reason to. Traffic congestion Traffic very busy Intimidating for pedestrians Footpath: People felt that this needs to be improved, footpath. is uneven Uneven Slabs Widen the path Pavement, surface uneven leads to claims 10

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12 Aungier Street Responses: 17 Time: Daytime Likes Got everything you need, Sense of Community, Atmosphere Dislikes Insights Empty buildings, Dead space, People getting sick/pubs closing at am in the morning, Living hell This group of respondents were by and large students in the DIT or other learning centres on or near the street. The majority of the respondents declared they were mostly from different areas of Dublin city, with just three from outside the city and two declaring they were from countries other than Ireland. More than half are in an age bracket below forty. There seems to be no awareness of the hidden shop fronts that are categorised as monuments. There was also no mention of The relic of Saint Valentine in the Whitefriar Street Church. Got everything you need: Likes: People s enthusiasm for Aungier Street closely mirrors Camden Street, the good vibes, sense of community, proximity to town, church and college Nice Street Good vibe Enjoy walking Sense of Community: There is not so much an expression of the village feel but more an emphasis on community. There is also a focus on Camden Street and Saint Stephens s Green, giving a sense of area rather than street. Sense of community Like it Great to be here Atmosphere: This is seen as a lively street with cheap shops and a good social life. There is good footfall and a mix of everything you need. Rustic looks On a nice day feel good Comfortable 12

13 Dislikes: Empty buildings: There was a concern expressed here, as on other streets, at the effect closed shops and other buildings are having on the street. Shops closed Buildings Eyesore Haphazard Shopfronts Anti-social: Pubs closing at 2.00am and 3.00am in the morning. The night life on the strip from Camden Street to Aungier Street was seen as having a negative effect, with vomit on the path in the morning and people fearing for their safety at night. At night, anti social behaviour People getting sick Living Hell" Traffic: Movement issues were expressed in many forms, from an inadequate bus service to traffic jams, difficulty crossing at junctions and in the opinion of respondents, cyclists don t obey traffic lights. Difficulties crossing the road with the amount of taxi s at certain times of the day/night. Traffic, too many junctions Not easy for walkers Nervous to cross road 13

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15 Camden Street Responses 152 Time: Daytime Likes Dislikes Insights Sense of village & community, Variety of food, Diversity Closed shops & buildings, Movement, Antisocial behaviour There is an appreciation that the street has not been modernised and holds its old charm. Underlying this, we feel, is a fear of any change that may result in the loss of peoples likes on the street. Likes: Sense of Village /Community: The sense of community and village is very important to respondents, something they treasure deeply. This includes people passing through as well as those living and working in the area. Lots going on here Happy to be at the centre of a community Enjoy community spirit Variety of food: Small shops, clothes, food, restaurants, mixed culture, fresh food and cheap shopping are identified by respondents, as underlining the Street has everything perception. Streetall ethnic background Street has everything you need All ethnic background Formatted: Space After: 10 pt European Diversity: The diversity of the street is mentioned a lot and is identified by respondents as essential to the street. This diversity refers to the ethnic mix of people as well as the wide array of commodities that can be purchased on the street. This street is seen as catering for family, young and old, life needs as well as social wants. Love the feel Always had hope Makes you happy 15

16 Dislikes: Closed shops/buildings: The closed shops were seen by respondents here as a threat to the economic viability of the street. Lost will to stop here Depressed at what s going on here Scruffy buildings Movement: Movement covered a wide range of lack off s, including parking, crossing at traffic lights, clampers, cycle lanes, vehicle traffic including bus service. Help the people Bike lanes dangerous Footpaths bad Anti-social behaviour: Vomit on the streets in the morning is of great concern here. This along with urination and defecation, was seen as turning the street into a no go area at night. Respondents claimed that Dublin City Council s temporary toilets at the weekend were contributing to the problem. In contradiction, there was also an expressed desire for more permanent toilet facilities. Drugs, noise and beggars were other issues seen as contributing to the anti-social nature of the street, particularly at night. 2 am a different animal Crazy late at night Beggars at bank machines 16

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18 Corner of Parnell Street, North Great Georges Street Responses:31 Time: Daytime Likes: Dislikes: Insights: People, Variety of restaurants, Shops / Buildings Drugs, Appearance of the Street,Safety, Movement On this street as with others, people have a perception of the street based on what they see happening, leading to a dislike of a street,yet people spoke very highly of those that work and live near the street. The type of people using a street has an impact on how people connect with it. Likes: People: This is a lively part of the City where some people know their neighbours. It has a cultural diversity as well as strong ethnic mixes who live and work in the area. It is seen as old school, with genuine Dubs mixing with Chinese, Asian and African people, as if it were a small village community. It is seen as vibrant with a positive outlook. Born and bred here. Like the community atmosphere Its elegance the fact it has been preserved by a community Representative of real inner City Dublin living Variety of restaurants /shops: People spoke about variety, with authentic Chinese and Korean restaurants. There is a feel of Chinatown captured in responses from people, with reference to the different shops and services available. Barber shop Buildings: Like here for variety of restaurants Lots of shops, handy People liked the Buildings on the Corner of Parnell Street. Georgian buildings Old Georgian houses How it looks, the buildings 18

19 Dislikes: Drugs: People mentioned drug pushing going on in the area, too many drugs/junkies, drug addicts in laneways, it make the heart sink when you see drug dealing. One person said that a business was covering up for drugs. Feeling of danger from junkies and drunks Junkies shoot up in Basement Drugs, needles outside work Appearance of Street: Buildings need to be restored and repaired, shop fronts not Dublinesque, up-keep of buildings needs to be better, shopfronts ugly, buildings need reform and the properties are run-down. Chipped pavement, puke on the ground, rubbish, it is dirty and the street is smelly. Footpath screams I don t give a damn Needs refurbishment, particularly the buildings Haphazard shop fronts Safety: Feel intimidated at night due to lack of lighting, anti social behaviour and robbery. More lights at night Movement: People passed out drunk Feel there is a lot of crime, see the Gardai alot Movement was mentioned in terms of people using the street. Congested footpaths due to People queuing for buses It is too crowded Buses people waiting cannot get passed 19

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21 Ellis Quay Responses: 19 Time: Daytime Likes: Dislikes: Insights River / Bridges, Buildings Movement,up-keep of quay, Buildings There is a contradiction in the likes and dislike of the people we spoke to here. They speak about the traffic, the dirt, the noise, alongside the calmness of the quay. The like of the bridges links into the like of the river as people look out onto the river while walking. There is no sense of connection to Ellis Quay, which is seen as very cold. People spoke about it being drab, old, cannot enjoy due to volume and traffic noise. River/ Bridges: Likes: People liked the view of the River and Bridges on the quay. People spoke about the river being the heart of Dublin, it is relaxing, the Liffey, best of a bad lot. The bridges where spoken of in terms of the views and the James Joyce Bridge. They also spoke about the walk along the river as it reflects the sun and scenery. River it is calm and quiet The view, the river River peaceful quite, nice Buildings/ connection: Buildings and connection were the second highest like. People spoke of historic connections to the city, the boardwalk, walking on the quay. The weather makes all the difference, people spoke about sitting and relaxing on the quay. Likes the older buildings especially when sunny Historic Buildings sense of City Nice walk on the river Movement: Dislikes People found that movement on Ellis Quay is difficult from a pedestrian point of view. People also spoke about taxis coming into bike lanes, dirt from traffic, difficulty trying to cross the road with traffic. Trucks too close to pavement in the morning Hard to cross road traffic lights not pedestrian friendly 21 Traffic noise closeness to path

22 Up-keep of Quay: The dirt of the Liffey when the tide is out, the river is filthy, graffiti, chewing gum on paths. People using street as a toilet. Liffey Walls need cleaning Buildings: Litter, Ellis Quay looks neglected and in poor repair Litter, not maintained rubbish on Benburb Street not being collected People spoke about their like of buildings. Not very picturesque, lots of empty buildings Apartments do not look great, 80 s buildings Run down buildings vacant shops 22

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24 Francis Street Responses: 49 Time: Daytime Likes Dislikes Insights Old character and random nature of the street,variety of shops and antique dealers, Clean/Buzzing Anti-social behaviour, Dog dirt on footpath, Lack of Toilets This Street is about its history and architecture. There is a love of the antique shops and this connection to the past. People feel safe enough to walk through and enjoy the buzz. People also expressed concerns about the lack of greenery and wanted the old Iveagh Market re-opened as it was. Respondents here spoke of the personality of the street which they want preserved. Underlying the likes is a fear that improving the street will in some way see it s personality change. There is a strong sense of love for this street, both from residents and people passing through. The lack of greenery and desire to see the return of the Iveagh Market was expressed strongly by Irish people using the street. Non-nationals would ask us what the building used to be. Anti-social behaviour at night is seen as a problem affecting people s lives and the residential populations ability to sleep soundly. Likes Old character / Random nature of the street: Respondents love this street and the feeling that it s laid back. Like I m stepping back in time Love the contours Whimsical Street Variety of shops/antique dealers: The feeling that you are sharing something with the past is spoken about by most of the respondents. This seems to relate back to the nature of the main business on the street, antiques. There is only one sit down café, which people welcome. Character-I can feel it Like I m stepping back in time Brings back memories Cleanliness: Respondents are proud of the cleanliness and dynamic on the street. Great feel of Dublin I enjoy walking on Francis Street Happy 24

25 Dislikes Anti-Social behaviour: This happens mainly at night, with a lesser amount during daytime. Respondents related this to drinking alcohol. We had a small insight into this on the day, when the team had an incident with an intoxicated individual. Makes me feel on edge Indifferent Unsafe at night Dog dirt on the pathways: This is a problem in other areas (see Thomas Street). The street is generally clean with the exception of this one issue. I feel I am entering a poor and unsafe area Dog poo isn t nice A bit scruffy Lack of toilets: This links into antisocial behaviour and the reluctance of people to source alternative facilities. When we were carrying out our conversations, one gentleman used a wall close to us for this purpose. Smell of urine Other issues: Groups drinking on the Street Broken glass bottles Lack of greenery, trees. People sleeping rough and broken glass. Improve the old Tivoli Theatre and clampers. 25

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27 Manor Street Responses: 34 Time: Daytime Likes: Dislikes: Insights: Community,old village feel/ character Cleanliness, Traffic, Buildings /Shops,Anti-social The look of shops, cleanliness and people add to a person s view of the street. Businesses need to take on more responsibility with regard to the cleanliness of their outdoor space. Could Dublin City Council enforce stricter laws in terms of responsibility on the street for business/ property owners. When people where asked how they feel about Manor Street, the response was very positive, which links back into the like of the street e.g. happy, comfortable, familiar, safe, and connected to the community. The feeling of dislike of the street linked to the issue of cleanliness e.g. embarrassed by the dirt and litter. Sad the way it has become. Likes: Community: There was common like of the people and the mix of amenities on Manor Street. People spoke about the shops, restaurants, the central location, nice people, family owned, lovely people and the mix of people. There is a real sense of pride and belonging coming from the people on Manor Street. People spoke of the street still retaining some of the old charm, medieval curves of the street have been maintained. Nice People, diversity Old Village Feel /Character: Small community easy to get and give information Friendly Shops meet your neighbours People also spoke about Manor Street as a village, linked to this was the character of the street. It is an old part of Dublin, old charm and old street. Vibrant mix of shops, village feel Always been a village close knit village Feels like a village 27

28 Dislikes: Cleanliness: People spoke about the rubbish not being collected by DCC, litter, glass, chewing gum and smoke butts on the street. People spoke about pubs, businesses, takeaways and shops not taking reasonability for cleaning up the outside of their premises. A couple of people said that the street should be cleaned more often and that a greater presence of a litter warden is needed. More greenery and planting for the street were mentioned. Street is filthy in particular pubs should be made clean outside Manky The filth the rubbish, all the smokes and chewing gum on the ground Traffic: People mentioned traffic as a dislike though some did not expand on the reason why. For those who did, they spoke about too much traffic and lots of it. Traffic Calming measures welcomed Too much traffic corner of arbour hill Speed of traffic around schools Buildings/ shops: People spoke about empty shops, closure, dereliction, shopfronts being shabby and a revamp of shops is needed. Closure of shops how they look Can look tatty not enough independent shops Shop fronts shabby Anti-social: People spoke about anti-social In terms of pubs, people being drunk e.g. too many pubs, excess of pubs, smoking outside of pubs walking through clouds of smoke. Alcoholics /bums at centra, winos and junkies. Less pubs too many drunk people Centra undesirables hanging around, cheap booze Afraid of being robbed 28

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30 Meath Street Responses: 63 Time: Daytime Likes: Dislikes: Insights: Variety/Bargains, People Appearance of street, Movement, Parking The people we spoke to on Meath Street were very opinionated and the passion they have for the street really came through. Anti social issues were mentioned infrequently. People spoke a lot about how they feel on Meath Street. They feel good as they know people; enjoy the buzz of the street, a welcoming friendly street, pride, sense of home. There is also a great sense of belonging and ownership coming from the people on Meath Street. Could a prototype be carried out on the pedestrianisation of the street for a weekend, to see if the movement on the street would improve. Likes: Variety/Bargains: People spoke about the bargains, the shops, variety, selection, value for money, the market, street traders. One person described Meath Street as Alive. Variety of shops/ bargains Bargains everything on street Good value for money / great street traders People: This was also a high like on Meath Street, of the people. They spoke about great people, knowing the shopkeepers, very friendly, relationship with traders, good people interaction, social aspect, meet people you know, character of the street. Salt of the earth people Sense of Community Old School People 30

31 Dislikes: Appearance of Street: People spoke about the litter on the street and called for more bins, graffiti was also brought up, vacant buildings. Shutters looking shabby on buildings, Shop front signage, signs not clear, plastic looking, shop fronts uneven and lack of up-keep. People wanted to see more colour on the street, the buildings, some said Christmas lights would help the street. Paving was also a common dislike under up-keep, people felt it needs to be improved, it is uneven, there are cracks and new paving slabs are needed. Street is filthy especially in the evening Dogs Fowling on the Street Empty Buildings, Brighten them up Movement: Movement on Meath Street is in terms of people and cars. The clutter on the street from the shops putting merchandise out was a big issue. People said that this clutter makes it hard for them to move on the street, particularly for the elderly, people in wheelchairs and people with buggies. Due to the high volume of traffic on the street, people cannot walk on the road to get around the clutter. At the weekends this clutter got heavier people spoke about stalls being on the footpath and the street being too crowded some people want the street to be pedestrianised and for it to be tested for one weekend. Traffic was also mentioned under movement as an issue. The speed limit is not enforced and that people stay away due to the heavy traffic. Congestion footpaths at the weekend should be pedestrianised Traffic high amounts Paths are being blocked by stalls Parking: This was the third highest dislike on the street, people spoke about lack of parking, to remove parking for cars, people cannot get into Meath Street, very little parking, free parking for people, shop owners parking vans all day on street. Lack of parking people cannot get in Remove parking for cars Should be free parking Other Issues: People spoke about addicts on the street, feeling unsafe, lighting on the street, the 121 Bus being taken away. These were mentioned on a small scale. 31

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33 Thomas Street Responses: 68 Time: Saturday & daytime during week Likes Dislikes Identity of the street, History, Mixed use, Markets and Traders. Abandonment and closed shops, Appearance of street, Anti-social behaviour. Insights History, architecture, traders (stalls) as well as its connection to the traditions of Dublin. People and their Dublin heritage are seen as contributing to the essence of what makes the cake called Thomas Street. Tradition and history include Saint Catherine s Church (now the Core ) along with the many stories of Bang Bang, Johnny Forty Coats with other events and characters are treasured. Nearly every person in the area has a story to tell. Likes: Identity of the street: People are very important here as is their connection with the street. People living in the area as well as people who grew up here, returning weekly to shop and socialise, responded. The street has a reputation as a place where you can purchase quality food and commodities at reasonable prices. It s a dynamic street with a huge amount of pride flowing from respondents. Shutters should be coloured Welcoming Historical Mixed use: You can purchase everything this street carpets, groceries, luxury goods, children s clothes as well as the mix of restaurants and old fashioned cafes. People feel they can meet friends and be part of something that is special to this street. There is also the caring side of the street, with community service, churches and voluntary organisations playing a big part in its daily life. Diverse Variety Shops,Church,Stalls Markets and traders: There is a tradition on this street and surrounding areas that sees traders as integral. Daisies bloom where they find room You can hear the Dublin Accent Everyone knows each other 33

34 Dislikes: Abandonment/Closed shops: This dislike on Thomas Street reflects concerns across the city at the effect of closed and abandoned buildings. People reflected on the lost enterprise and jobs. Closed buildings are seen as lost opportunities. The closure of Frawleys is still mourned by people on this street. Looks lost Bring Frawleys back Bad impression for tourists Appearance of street: The street is perceived as dirty with tatty signage. While this street is regularly cleaned by DCC staff, there is a noticeable amount of cigarettes butts on the pathways. The signage on the shop fronts and market units is seen as random and not enhancing the shopping and living experience. Dereliction Anti-social behaviour: Bring back people who grew up in the area Needs Painting Crime, drink, drugs and the ensuing threats that emanate from these activities were stated by respondents as major issues for this street. Intimidating The amount of bike theft Afraid at night Other Issues: Management of the street, greenery and lighting 34

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36 Street Conversation s age profile per location Location Age Age Age Age Age Age Age Age Total Abbey St Theatre Abbey Street Flowing Tide Francis St Ellis Quay Arran Quay Manor St Mountjoy Sq Thomas St Parnell St/ Nth Great Georges St Camden St Meath St * *Note-all those who expressed an opinion were not willing to disclose their age 36

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38 What People Wish For The City The information below has been gathered from all locations. It refers to ideas that people have on what they wish to see improved in the city. These improvements have been grouped under the following categories. Up Keep of Streets Buildings / Spaces Activities / Events Business/ Shops Safety Movement Up Keep of streets: Clean up Camden Street, paths are dangerous. Clean up litter, side streets need attention/camden- street furniture-soft landscaping/ Georges Street-Old market is lost-pedestrianised. Clean Camden Street and the side streets on a regular basis, wash the pavement. O Connell Street -Shops are dismal-northside street need more life. Lots of history there. Trinity to O Connell Street isare rundown. O Connell St more seating. Replant old trees in O Connell Street/Get rid of Greyness. Henry Street, Mary Street, Capel Street and Moore Street are filthy, needs care, revamp, shops aren t welcoming. Wouldn t be encouraging people to Capel Street Talbot Street no one wants to go there, needs alteration Parnell Street, increase cleaning of street by Council Preserve streets like Henrietta Street, North of Parnell Street, Summerhill they are the same for years nothing has changed Clean up Henrietta Street Trees on the Quays tidy it up a bit Ellis Quay clean quay wall inside and out, put in Boardwalk Gardiner Street, Charles St potholes very bad there Trucks delivering to front of shops are breaking paths Improve roads and footpaths Expand pavement with greenery, Improve streets with more greenery Add more trees/more flowers/flowers, plants, brighter. Decorate streets with flowers More colour in the City, very grey, more trees Quays and City Streets lacking in greenery Open parks in evening The council still has the money given to them by Raddison Blu in Golden lane for the residents of Whitefriar lane, Leinster road. Jennie Johnston needs to be renovated. Centre of town needs some TLC. Public Space near Myra Glass, the Tour bus goes by. People can see rubbish that is being dumped there, clean it up. More Bins Clean up the streets Improve badly maintained buildings More frequent cleaning of drains/shores avoid flooding More public toilets 38

39 Buildings / Spaces: Iveagh market needs to re-open as a food market/ Iveagh market should be done up. Open the Iveagh market on Francis street.-it has such potential, Thomas Street-Meath Street, huge amount of accommodation going to waste Dame Street, Bishop Street and Georges Street gone downhill with derelict buildings. Preserve architecture. It needs a decent market like Barcelona. Improve Smithfield, bring back the lighthouse. Restore buildings to original state. The space at the corner of Lennox and Richmond I d turn into a green area Refurbish historical and old buildings Refurbish, improve Parnell Street, bring more cohesion to design and buildings on Parnell Street Give shops a grant to improve shop fronts, particularly Gardiner Street Dame St-dirty buildings, shop fronts tatty NAMA buildings-used more for events, cut rates. Have scheme for young people to set up business, in vacant lots. Ross Road, large yard, not utilised could be used as a public space. Fill up empty shops Fill all abandoned spaces with new business/create employment Empower communities - Give NAMANama Lands to the community, Saint Patrick s Day parade on Thomas street, friendly Thomas Street facelift of buildings as it is on an important Tourist trail Improve empty shops Improve guidelines for shops in terms of visual and maintenance Open closed shops/ Derelict Sites / buildings Get rid of neon s signs over shops Create community space in empty buildings Open up private parks like Fitzwilliam Square to the public Improve Integration of foreign people. Some Irish people are aggressive towards them. Activities / Events in the City: Henry Street, Mary Street, Capel Street and Moore Street are filthy, needs care and revamp. Shops aren t welcoming. Wouldn t be encouraging people to Capel Street needs uplift Saint Patrick s Day parade on Thomas street Advertise the good things happening in Meath Street Rutland Street make it a Community Centre, things to do for teenagers and kids Have a parade on O Connell Street and give out free chocolate Put a large grass Leprechaun on the bottom of Grafton Street Quays develop for Tourism e.g. like Docklands feel, a beach at side of river Boardwalks give a sense of walking on the River not looking over a wall. North Inner City, spruce. Spruce it up and host creative events to attract people and local people Bring events into Mountjoy Park, 2yrs ago there were gigs in the Park Encourage visitors create attraction for Mountjoy Square. Open parks in evening More Market spaces, the Markets need to be improved. More Arts and Crafts Markets, more car boot markets, More areas for kids Set-up Youth Clubs (recreation) for kids in Areas 39

40 Business/ Shops: Sex shops on Capel Street, need a balance, having a mix Capel Street area a bit ropey, businesses don t like it there, it is unsafe. Talbot Street and Meath street, businesses are closing Nice shops on O Connell Street bring Southside to Northside. O Connell Street, needs more cafes & businesses to open, should have a better image Ellis Quay make like Exchequer Street more shops, cafes- extend the nature of Smithfield Bond Street it is a small street not many people go there. Co-operation should be built up between Guinness s and businesses in the area. Support them more Smithfield / Stonybatter and the Quays, red light areas, they are not too safe, they are a pick-up area Lower rents in shops Free rates for new business Put money into local business. Force landlords to look after buildings more Safety: Talbot Street not so good an area, more Garda needed there. Quays need work they are the focal point of City. Centre of town needs some TLC Roads from Trinity to O Connell Street are rundown Moore Street increase police presence More CCTV Kevin Street Remove people loitering and begging on the boardwalk, it is not for tourists Put in CCTV Cameras to catch illegal dumping More up lighting on trees improve the feel of safety Movement: More bike tracks Extend Dublin bikes out by Herbert park-further ring of bike stations The bike scheme should be extended to Rathmines The cycle lanes are segregated, need more contra flow lanes More cycle lanes More cycle friendly and pedestrianised streets Pedestrians crossing at bottom of Dame Street there is confluence of people and cars. It adds to aggressive behaviour. Connect in more public transport. Have Cycle lanes like in Amsterdam. Pedestrianise and make the city bike friendly. Pedestrian lights opposite Ulster Bank are too quick to change (Camden Street) Easier movement for the pedestrian North Quays more pedestrian friendly less congested. Make it easier to travel north to south in the city by public transport Need More car spaces Integrate public transport More room for wheelchairs 40

41 Free Parking Parnell Street increase cleaning of street by Council Dame Street a lot of traffic and congestion it is dirty College Green pedestrianise it Replace 50kmph in City Centre Reduce speed limits and more ramps in city centre Introduce free parking Replant old trees in O Connell Street/Get rid of greyness College Green, Westmorland Street pedestrianise it, it is an historical connection for North and South Link area around James Street to Cork Street and Guinness. Repair pavements 41

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43 Streets People Feel Need To Be Improved In The City Below is a listing of streets that people felt needed to be improved in the City. The information has been grouped from all locations. The two highest mentioned streets were Thomas Street at 23 and Meath Street at 21. Abbey Street Aungier Street x2 Basin Lane Flats Merchants Quay Boardwalk x2 Bolton Street Camden Street x2 Capel Street Cherry Orchard Clondalkin College Green Cork Street Dame Street Dolphins Barn Dorset Street x3 Dublin 8 Emmet Street Finglas Georges Street x2 Grafton Street Hawkins Street James Street Liberty House Lower Abbey Street Manor Streetx2 Marlborough Street Mary s Mansion Meath Street x 21 Moore Street x4 Mount Jerome Mountjoy Square Nassau Street North Earl Street North King Street O Connell Street x2 Oliver Bond House Oliver Bond Wesley Place Parnell street x2 Patrick Street Phibsborough Queen Street Railway Street Sheriff Street Smithfieldx2 South Circular Road South William Street Talbot Street x2 The flats in Whitefriar Street The Liberties Thomas Street x 23 Upgrade Dublin 7 Westmoreland Street 43

44 44

45 Where People Are From Location Aungier Street Where people are from Local/Dublin Ireland Abroad Nth Great George s Street x7 Leitrim Mauritius Finglas x2 Wicklow Savoy Arabia Liberty House Greystones Germany Coolock Laois China Ivy Trust Meath Guana Marrowbone Lane Dundalk Australia Blanchardstown Spain Churchtown The Congo Kevin Street Avondale House Hardwick Street Summerhill Clondalkin North Circular Road Ellis Quay Dublin x3 Galway Brazil x2 Ellis Quay x2 India Palmerstown x2 Bluebell Dundrum Ballsbridge Mellows Quay Donaghmede Dolphins Barn Terenure Arran Quay Blackrock Limerick x2 Ballinteer Galway North Strand Ballyfermot Dublin Smithfield 45

46 Location Origin Local/Dublin Ireland Abroad Meath Street Meath Street x9 Dublin x8 Dublin 8 x5 The Coombe x3 Rutland Street x2 Earl Street South x2 Kildare x2 China US Portlaoise South County Dublin Drogheda Oliver Bond x2 New Street Dolphins Barn Carmens Hall Clondalkin York Street Grade Street Tinker Yard Crumlin Rathfarnham James Street The Tenters The Liberties Harold s Cross Bluebell Tallaght Maryland Mount Joy Square MountJoy Square x6 Dublin x3 Kilmainham x3 Cabra Tallaght Booterstown Howth Glasnevin Phibsboro Matt Talbot Court Gardiner Street Templeogue Drumcondra Blanchardstown Belvedere Kildare x3 Donegal x2 Monaghan Ashbourne 46

47 Location Local/Dublin Ireland Abroad Thomas Street Crumlin x4 Dublin x4 Drimnagh x3 Cork x4 Tipperary Wicklow England Paris Brazil James Street x3 Ballyfermot x3 Kilmainham x2 The Liberties x2 Blanchardstown x2 Dublin 8 x2 Inchicore x2 Christchurch x2 Clondalkin Oliver Bond Rathfarnham Ballymun Raheny Stoneybatter Ship Street Smithfield Dun Laoghaire Dame Street Walkinstown Kildare Enfield Francis Street Dublin x12 Oliver Bond Monkstown Off Kevin Street Pimlico Harolds Cross Thomas Street Rathgar John Dillon Street Blanchardstown Bride Street Cook Street Rathmines Inchicore /Stillorgan Walkinstown Fermanagh Galway Drogheda Cavan Cork Galway Brazil Poland England Spain 47

48 Portobello Chapelizard Walkinstown Location Local/Dublin Ireland Abroad Abbey Street Tallaght Ratoath Portmarnock/Navan Road Kerry Tyrone Sligo France Portugal Greece Artane Abbey Street Club Travel (Business) Malahide Swords Dunlaoghire Ireland Sean Mc Dermot Street Blessington Street Corner of Parnell Street / North Great Georges Street Dublin x8 Nth Great Georges Street x7 Clondalkin Castelknock Hardwick Street North Circular Road Homeless Finglas Avondale House China/Walkinsotwn Spain/Dublin Australia/Dublin x2 Summerhill Dundalk The Congo Australia Spain China 48

49 Common Themes / Issues Coming From Street 49 Conversations

50 Street Conversations Common Themes/Issues Closed shops, anti-social behaviour, movement and the appearance of the street/space are the most mentioned issues across all streets. These four issues came together on some streets e.g. Abbey Street, Aungier Street, Camden Street, Thomas Street. At least two of these issues are in the top three issues on all streets/spaces where our Street conversations took place. Vacancy Movement Appearance Anti-social behaviour Closed shops/ Buildings The issue of closed /shops/buildings was in relation to buildings and shops not being maintained and abandoned. This has a big effect on the people that use the street. This also takes into account the shutters on vacant buildings that have graffiti on them. This also adds to a street feeling dull and grey. This also has an impact on how people use the street and if they have respect for it. People spoke of the streets being run-down, scruffy and dirty. Due to buildings/shops being closed down. This leads to lack of colour and vibrancy on a street. Something simple as paintintg the shutters in a bright colour or the buildings were mentioned e.g. Thomas Street. Can Dublin City Council enforce stricter guidelines in regards to maintenance of vacant buildings? Appearance of the Street The appearance of the street was around litter, vomit, dog dirt, empty buildings and shops. People spoke of wanting more bins on streets, the signage of buildings was also linked to the appearance of a street, people saying signage was tatty, random and it does not enhance the shopping and living experience. How can Dublin City Council address inter-agency issues? Anti-social behaviour Antisocial Behaviour was more than drugs and alcohol, although these where mentioned highly on some streets e.g. Abbey St, Parnell Street. Anti-social was also tied into people getting sick on streets after pubs closing, dog dirt on the footpaths, it was also around too many pubs being on the one street. What is Dublin City Councils role in dealing with Anti-social behaviour on a City Wide Basis? 50

51 Movement Movement was an issue in terms of people and traffic and also the clutter on streets due to bus stops, utility boxes, bicycle racks, stalls, traffic lights, road junctions and pavement. All of these elements lead to people being slowed down on the street as they find it difficult to move around the street. On Meath Street it is narrow, people found it hard to move on the street with traffic and stalls blocking their route, they felt they could not step onto the road to avoid the stalls as it was not safe to do so. There was some concern expressed about having to use the roads instead of the pathways. What is solely within the function of Dublin City Council Only one of the top three movement issues related directly to Dublin City Council. This relates to movement of people, traffic as well as public transport. Width of paths Traffic lights Parking Vehicles Greenery/Trees/Seating/Toilets. Width of Paths: Not wide enough, refer to obstructions and not the path itself. In Thomas and Meath Street it was a problem with the dealers/traders stalls on the path obstructing movement. On Abbey Street it was the various utility boxes and lighting and signage poles as well as the perceived need to get off the street as quickly as possible. Traffic Lights: On Abbey Street we witnessed a mix of paper vendors obstructing the path beside the traffic lights as well as the amount of people converging at one time, rushing for buses or disembarking from the Luas and wanting to leave the street quickly. On Camden Street it was obvious that traffic lights were not where people wanted them located (there was no common agreement on where this should be). On Ellis Quay and Arran Quay there was the issue of pedestrians being able to cross the road safely. Parking: A strong dislike of the clampers was expressed. Some respondents expressed the view that DCC should reduce prices, while others felt DCC should supply more spaces and have free parking.there were a small number of pro-cycling respondents who expressed the view that parking and vehicles should be removed from the streets. The cost of parking and the lack of parking came up where shopping and working were important. 51

52 Respondents concerns about vehicles depended on the location. Generally concerns focused on how slow traffic moved was or how cars were given preference in relation to traffic light change times. Greenery/Trees/Seating/Toilets: While these issues were not in anybody s top three, they were raised constantly. In these recommendations there is a focus on the dislike rather than the enormous love people have for their street and city, this is because in conversation, it was obvious to us that the likes were expressed in a context of fear of them being lost. Common Likes The strongest likes across the locations where people / community, variety and buildings. The dynamic involved in our conversations was focused on change and a fear of what could be lost because of change. There is also a strong sense of ownership and belonging on the streets where people live, work and use (with the exception of Abbey Street, Ellis Quay and Arran Quay ) there is also a strong passion for improvement. Respondents did not differentiate between DCC functions and those of other utilities but welcomed the opportunity to participate and have an input to the Public Realm Strategy. Your City Your Voice Draft Public Realm Strategy When we looked across all locations, the issues raised are similar to those identified in the strategy document, even though they may have different levels of priority. An example of this would be markets, while not at the top of our likes or dislike would be very high on most streets, particularly on the south side of the city e.g. Meath Street, Thomas Street and Francis Street. On specific streets there is a stronger anger directed towards some issues. This was particularly obvious on Abbey Street where there was similarity in issues identified but different depths of anger /emotional response directed at the need for change. Public Realm Challenges that linked to the Street Conversations where: Anti-social behaviour Making spaces accessible Keeping the city moving Dealing with congestion Vacant units & Urban blight When people spoke about dirty streets or dangerous streets, there was little rubbish present except cigarette butts or evidence of actual experience of personal injury/attack. These turn out to be perceptions (There were obvious signs of danger on Abbey Street and a strong Garda presence). There is a body of research available through people like Jane Jacobs recommended book The Death and Life of Great American Cities that suggest the combination of issues identified by our respondents, lead to a perception of dirty and dangerous streets. This report aims to highlight the main issues raised during the process. However a more detailed analysis per street is available from the studio. 52

53 y Council going forward with Public Engagement: 53

54 Moving Forward With Public Engagement If other departments/sections within Dublin City Council decided to use this method of engagement in the future. We would recommend that the following steps be taken to ensure that the process is developed and run effectively. We would recommended that up-skilling on the process of Street Conversations is offered to Staff in Dublin City Council and at a more focused level within the Department / Section to whom the consultation/strategy or plan belongs to. It is beneficial that the up-skilling of Staff happens within Dublin City Council on the process. This will be highly beneficial in terms of saving costs. A network of people will also be in place to carry out Street Conversations. The distilling of the information and the production of the report is labour intensive. Going forward this part of the process will require assistance from the staff that carry out the Street Conversations. We recommend that the initiating group or a representative visit the location or location s of the Street Conversation. This process is highly focused on the person and their opinions, it is vital that the dynamic present on the Street is experienced first hand. 54