Poddle Park / St. Martins

Poddle Park / St. Martins

The Poddle Park and St. Martin’s area, nestled between Bangor Road and Ravensdale Park, is characterized by the River Poddle flowing beneath the roads and through the park. This locality includes several residential roads named after the Poddle River, such as Poddle Park, Poddle Green, Poddle View, and Poddle Close.

Housing development in Poddle Park began in the 1920s and 1930s, originally for laborers. In the late 1990s, Poddle Close was established on the back gardens of Clonard Road cottages. Poddle Green and Poddle View emerged on the grounds of the old Waterpark house in the past 20 years. St. Martin’s Park and Drive were developed in the 1960s, while the Riverside apartments, built in the 2000s, replaced Brennan’s bakery.

Historical and ongoing issues in the area include infrastructure improvements, vandalism, and flooding. In 1924, the council approved road repairs leading to the Poddle Park cottages. By 1967, the Dublin City Council, during the development of St. Martin’s estate made changes to the river by realignment, deepening, and regrading of the Poddle River to address flooding issues in the area. . This included culverting the section of the river from Ravensdale Park to Poddle Park and changing the course of the river to go under the Poddle Park road. In 1968, vandalism damaged a footbridge over the Poddle River. Later, in 1973, efforts were made to improve public access to planning information and address pollution in the river.

In 1974, the St. Martin’s Residents’ Association organised a major river clean-up, highlighting ongoing environmental concerns. By 1979, Poddle Park faced issues with junkyard conditions, and in 1990, a suspected poisoning incident tragically killed seven horses.

The early 2000s saw both residential growth, with new Riverside apartments in Poddle Park, and significant flood-related challenges. In 2002, 84-year-old Mary Byrne experienced severe flooding at her home. In 2004, Dublin City Council proposed replacing the old footbridge and realigning footpaths to improve infrastructure.

Most recently, a €7 million flood protection project, announced in 2019, aims to safeguard over 800 homes by enhancing flood defences along the River Poddle, including the construction of a 1.5-meter defence wall in Poddle Park and additional containment areas.

The area’s development and ongoing issues reflect a mix of progress and challenges, particularly concerning environmental and infrastructural resilience.

Association with Poddle

The Poddle River is central to the Poddle Park and St. Martin’s area, influencing its layout and development. Flowing through Poddle Park and under Bangor Road, it has shaped local housing and infrastructure. Early 20th-century housing was built for laborers near the river, and more recent developments like Poddle Close and St. Martin’s Park reflect evolving needs. However, the river also poses challenges, including frequent flooding, leading to a €7 million flood protection project in 2019. Environmental issues, such as pollution and tree loss, further complicate management. The river remains a defining yet challenging element of the area’s development.

What the Newspapers Say

  • In a council meeting on April 15, 1924, a decision was made to provisionally approve repairs and maintenance of 140 perches of road from Captain’s Lane to the council’s Poddle Park cottages in Kimmage. This area, known for its proximity to the Poddle River, saw continuous infrastructural improvements at the time. The repairs were aimed at improving access to the cottages and maintaining better road conditions.
  • In March 1967, the Dublin City Council’s Housing Committee announced plans for 1,442 new housing sites, including 52 at Martin’s Lands on Lower Kimmage Road. These sites were highly sought after, with allocation based on a lottery system, giving priority to tenants of Corporation houses and families on the housing priority list. Additionally, the Council approved a development plan for Martin’s Lands, which included realignment, deepening, and regrading of the Poddle River to address flooding issues in the area.
  • In September 1968, vandals destroyed a newly constructed footbridge over the Poddle River at the top of Bangor Road. This bridge, made of concrete and tubular steel, served as an essential shortcut for hundreds of factory workers, replacing the older stepping stones after the Poddle was deepened in a previous project. The destruction caused inconvenience to local residents and workers, highlighting the impact of vandalism on essential infrastructure. Although St. Martin’s and Riverside are not mentioned, the article emphasises the challenges faced in maintaining vital community pathways like the one in Bangor.
  • In November 1973, Mr. George Butler proposed at a City Commissioners’ meeting that planning applications be made available for public examination in libraries, allowing local groups to monitor area developments. He also requested that the City Manager address rubbish dumping in the River Poddle at St. Martin’s Drive, Kimmage, and investigate recurring oil pollution in the river, particularly on weekends. To prevent further damage, Butler suggested laying a concrete bottom in this section of the Poddle. While Bangor and Riverside were not mentioned, the proposal focused on improving environmental conditions and public access to planning information.
  • In September 1974, the St. Martin’s Residents’ Association organized a major clean-up of the River Poddle, with volunteers teaming up with Dublin Corporation for the effort. This initiative involved residents from Poddle Park, St. Martin’s Park, and St. Martin’s Drive. The association developed a ten-point plan to maintain the river’s cleanliness, calling for notice boards to prevent dumping and addressing the unsafe pedestrian bridge at Bangor Road. They also highlighted oil pollution from local industries and proposed planting trees and flowers along the riverbanks. The association questioned the need for the Firhouse sluice and the commercial use of the river.
  • In this article, Fianna Fáil T.D. Gerard Brady voiced concerns about rampaging teenagers in Poddle Park, Kimmage, who were engaging in nightly cider-fueled parties on nearby wasteland. These gatherings had escalated into violent orgies, causing significant fear and distress among local residents, particularly the elderly. Brady highlighted how these out-of-control parties were terrorising the community and announced his intention to meet with Minister for Justice, Mr. Collins, to urge stricter enforcement of laws preventing alcohol sales to minors.
  • In August 1979, concerns were raised about Poddle Park in Kimmage turning into a makeshift junkyard for old cars. Once a quiet suburban area, the street had become congested due to a car business, with wrecked vehicles lining both sides, reducing traffic to one lane. Local residents had repeatedly complained to both the Gardaí and Dublin Corporation, but the situation continued to deteriorate. The article highlights the growing frustration of residents, emphasizing how Poddle Park’s decline made it an undesirable place to live.
  • In August 1990, seven horses tragically died in Poddle Park, Kimmage, after a suspected poisoning. Five of the horses were euthanized due to severe distress, while two others died earlier. The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) is investigating, with post-mortem results pending from Dublin’s Veterinary College to confirm the cause of death. It is suspected that mouldy bread or paraquat poison may be responsible, as bags of old bread were found near the scene. The incident deeply saddened local animal lovers, who were preparing to bury the horses.
  • In June 1999, a real estate announcement highlighted a new development in Poddle Park, Riverside, featuring 18 one-bedroom apartments. The development promised high-quality living with secure parking, and only 8 apartments remained available for purchase. MacCarthy Auctioneers was handling the sales, with contact information provided for inquiries. The article underscores the attractiveness of Poddle Park and Riverside as desirable locations for residential development.
  • On October 21, 2002, Mary Byrne, an 84-year-old resident of Poddle Park in Kimmage, spent the night with her children battling severe flooding in her home. Despite their efforts to manage 18 inches of water in the kitchen, the situation was distressing for Mary, who had previously suffered damage from Hurricane Charlie in 1987. Her son Peter, who had to miss work, expressed frustration over recurring flooding issues and the lack of effective response from the Corporation. Although the floodwaters receded, Peter and his sister continued to assist their mother, highlighting ongoing concerns about flooding in Poddle Park.
  • On March 31, 2004, Dublin City Council announced plans to replace the existing footbridge over the River Poddle at Poddle Park, Kimmage. The proposal includes demolishing the old bridge near Bangor Road and constructing a new one upstream. Additionally, the plan involves realigning footpaths in Poddle Park and updating barriers at Bangor Bridge. Public notices and plans for the development were available for review from March 31 to April 30, 2004, at various locations, including Dublin City Council offices and Dolphins Barn Library. Observations on the proposal could be submitted until May 17, 2004.
  • On September 11, 2019, a €7 million flood protection project was announced for the River Poddle, set to begin in mid-2020 and last up to 24 months. The upgrade aims to protect over 800 homes on Dublin’s southside, including areas like Poddle Park and Kimmage, and mitigate the risk of flooding similar to past events, such as Hurricane Charlie in 1986 and severe flooding in 2011. The project includes building a 1.5-meter defence wall in Poddle Park, constructing containment areas in Tymon Park, Whitehall Park, and Ravensdale Park, and implementing additional flood control measures.
Related newspaper articles
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Road Repair
19 Jul 1924

The following work was passed provisionally at the quarterly meeting of the Council held on the 15th April – No 1981 – To repair and maintain 140 perches of the…

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Martin’s Lands re-alignment, deepening and regrading
4 Mar 1967

It is good news for engaged couples GOOD news for hundreds of engaged couples hunting for sites on which to build—there will be available no fewer than 1,442 sites… but…

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Vandalism
6 Sep 1968

Vandals’ have destroyed the new footbridge across the river Poddle at the top of Bangor Rd. The concrete and tubular- steel bridge which was used as a shortcut by hundreds…

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Proposal to let public to see plans
24 Nov 1973

Proposal to let public to see plans THE CITY Manager will asked by Mr. George Butler a: the next meeting of the City Commissioners if he make weekly lists of…

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Residents Clean Up
27 Sep 1974

AN ARMY of residents moves out tomorrow to launch a clean-up of the River Poddle. Volunteers will join forces with Dublin Corporation  lorries, men and clean-up equipment. The campaign is…

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Cider gangs terrify residents
5 Jul 1978

RAMPAGING teenagers high on cider are terrifying residents in Poddle Park, Kimmage, according to Fianna Fail T.D. Gerard Brady today. He said that teenage cider parties on waste land in…

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What a caveman did to a quiet suburban road…
5 Aug 1979

.. and complaints go unheeded IS IT any wonder our capital is a _disgusting sight when a suburban road is allowed to become a knacker’s yard for old cars? Poddle…

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7 horses dead after suspected poisoning
3 Aug 1990

By DONAL MACINTYRE FIVE horses were put down and two died in a suspected poison attack at Poddle Park, in Kimmage. Dublin_, last night. Officers of the Dublin Society for…

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Riverside, Poddle Park
6 Jun 1999

Poddle Park, Riverside New Development of 18 one Bed Apartments. Highest quality, secure parking 8 Only Remaining. Macarthy Auctioneers Ph 4904666 www.macauc.com

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Pensioner (84) In All Night Vigil To Keep Floods At Bay
21 Oct 2002

  Pensioner(84) In All Night Vigil To Keep Floods At Bay A DUBLIN woman in her 80’s spent last night with her two grown up children trying to keep the…

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Proposed New Footbridge
31 Mar 2004

Proposed New Footbridge over the River Poddle at Poddle Park, Kimmage, Dublin 6W. Planning and Development Act 2000 Planning and Development Regulations 2001-Part 8 Pursuant to the requirements of the…

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€7m work on Poddle protect 800 homes
11 Sep 2019

Sean McCarthaigh MORE than 800 homes on Dublin’s southside are to get improved flood protection with planned upgrade of defences on the River Poddle. Work on the €7m project, funded…

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