Georges Quay

George's Quay
One George's Quay Plaza was the headquarters of Ulster Bank
Georges Quay is located in Central Dublin
Georges Quay
Native nameCé Sheoirse (Irish)
NamesakeKing George III
Length270 m (890 ft)
Widthup to 25 metres (82 ft)
LocationDublin, Ireland
Postal codeD02
Coordinates53°20′51″N 6°15′12″W / 53.347505°N 6.253217°W / 53.347505; -6.253217
west endBurgh Quay and Hawkins Street
east endTalbot Memorial Bridge, City Quay, Moss Street
Other
Known forFacebook and Ulster Bank headquarters

George's Quay is a street and quay in Dublin on the southern bank of the River Liffey. It is located between Burgh Quay and Hawkins Street to the west, and City Quay and Talbot Memorial Bridge to the east.[1]

History and development

Though earlier land-reclamation along the Liffey's south-eastern banks had allowed for construction in the area, as evidenced by the quay's name, its current layout derives from Dublin's "Georgian" development period in the 18th century.[1][2] Most remaining buildings on the quay however date from 19th and (predominantly) 20th century construction.[2]

Into the 21st century, a number of entities have published plans for increased development in the area - including Dublin City Council (in 2008) and Córas Iompair Éireann (in 2015).[1][2][3]

Current use

Commercial

The quay is fronted primarily by George's Quay Plaza - a complex of buildings located between Hawkins street and Lombard Street. Along with the wider IFSC area, It is sometimes jokingly referred to as "Canary Dwarf" in reference to Canary Wharf in London.[4] The 13 story complex faces the Custom House and, at 58.8 metres (193 ft) high, is one of the tallest in the capital after Liberty Hall.[5] Completed in 2002, it was designed by KMD Architecture, and housed the headquarters of Ulster Bank.[6] Initial plans for the development by Irish Life dated from the 1980s.[7] Following their departure from the Irish market, Ulster Bank vacated the Plaza in 2019.[8]

Transport

Tara Street railway station is on the quay close to the junctions with Butt Bridge and Tara Street.[9] It is one of the busiest commuter rail stations in Dublin.[10][1] Dublin Bus and a number of commercial operators also have bus-stops along the quay.[11]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Georges Quay Local Area (Plan Part 1) (PDF) (Report). Dublin City Council. 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 April 2015.
  2. ^ a b c "Draft George's Quay Plan" (PDF). Dublin City Council. December 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 April 2015.
  3. ^ "Tara Street Station to be transformed into a high-rise office block". News Talk. 11 March 2015.
  4. ^ Brennan, Joe (28 December 2017). "Disappointing number of financials plan to come to Dublin post-Brexit". The Irish Times. Retrieved 17 January 2021.
  5. ^ "Skyscraperpage". skyscraperpage.com. 18 June 2010. Retrieved 18 January 2010.
  6. ^ "Ulster Bank Headquarters". Dublin.ratemyarea.com. 18 June 2010. Retrieved 18 January 2010.
  7. ^ McDonald, Frank (1985). The destruction of Dublin. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan. p. 278. ISBN 0-7171-1386-8. OCLC 60079186.
  8. ^ Brennan, Joe (23 November 2018). "Ulster Bank prepares to leave George's Quay HQ after two decades". The Irish Times. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
  9. ^ "Tara Street station". Irish Rail.
  10. ^ "Synopsis and background of Tara Street Station redevelopment (report)" (PDF). Tara Street Station Redevelopment Site (CIE). Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 December 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  11. ^ "Our Pickup Location in Georges Quay, Dublin City Centre". GoBus.ie. Retrieved 12 April 2015.