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Ballymun (Baile Munna in Irish) is an area on Dublin's Northside close to Dublin Airport currently undergoing demolition and regeneration. Located on Dublin's Northside close to Dublin Airport , it is currently best known for the Ballymun flats, a development of seven apartment towers and many smaller "step-up" blocks (i.e. no elevator). The seven towers are currently in the process of being demolished.
Historically, Ballymun was a larger area than it is now, but due to what were seen to be undesirable associations, the area has shrunk since the completion of the flats. For instance in the early days of Dublin City University, then called National Institute for Higher Education, Dublin, this institution was referred to as being in Ballymun (part of the "Ballymun Project") whilst today it is referred to and has a postal address in Glasnevin even though it has not changed location, indeed much of the present day Ballymun town center comprised of the northern site of Albert Agricultural College, the forerunner of the present-day university, Dublin City University. Despite these slightly negative associations Ballymun is in fact a thriving community with a high standard of living. New housing estates are currently being built and will most likely be bought by young aspiring businessmen as their first step on the Property ladder. The rest will be occupied by the former residents of the flats. Streets have also been renamed, for example the now Glasnevin Avenue was formerly called Ballymun Avenue. The term "Glasnevin North" also appeared to describe areas formerly part of Ballymun.
The lines "I see seven towers/But I only see one way out" in the U2 song 'Running To Stand Still' are a reference to the towers in Ballymun.
Moreover, in the U2 song 'Bad', the song and lyrical focus is on drug use in the Ballymun flats. (Taken from Wikipedia article on Ballymun) |
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New Ballymun Blog
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Ballymun Concrete News Coverage of Implosion |
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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 08 June 2005 |
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 Head
on over to the Ballymun Concrete News for additional pictures and excellent
editorial description of the Implosion of Thomas MacDonagh tower on Sunday last.
Link to the BCN late news
here
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Written by Administrator
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Sunday, 05 June 2005 |
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MacDonagh Tower stands no more...
Demolished
by controlled use of explosives at 11:30am this morning in another spectacular
implosion. 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1.. and the skyline of Dublin once again
changed forever. The old making way for the new dramatically apparent with
the Axis centre only feet away from the falling tower.
A Sad, nostalgic atmosphere was present. There are now more towers gone
than there are standing. Four down, Three to go.
Goodbye forever MacDonagh Tower
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Written by Administrator
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Sunday, 05 June 2005 |
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It slipped away in the night, slowly and without any drama or fuss.
 Ceannt
Tower is gone - taken down brick-by-brick, whittled down until it was
small enough to finish off with demolition machinery.
This was home to many good people including poet and activist, Pat Tierney.
I personally remember attending the 'Venture Scouts' in the basement.
Like Pearse and MacDermott Towers, it may be gone but not forgotten
Slán... Ceannt Tower. |
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McDonagh Tower Implosion 5th June 2005 |
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Written by Administrator
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Saturday, 28 May 2005 |
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Here is Latest information released by Ballymun
Regeneration Ltd to the residents of Ballymun RE: Demolition of McDonagh Tower.
 McDonagh Tower will be demolished by the controlled use of
explosives on Sunday 5th June 2005 at 11.00am.
An Exclusion zone will be established and will operate from 8.00am
until approximately 1 hour 15 minutes after the demolition has been
completed. The area of the Exclusion Zone is indicated on the aerial
photo on the back. No members of the public will be permitted inside
this exclusion zone. Traffic diversions will be in place.
Access to Ballymun Road from Shangan Road will be closed from
1.00pm Saturday until the demolition is completed. A diversion will be
in place via the Coultry link road. The footpath from Shangan Road to
Ballymun Road between McDonagh Tower and Axis will be closed for
approximately 2 weeks before the implosion. The section of Ballymun
Road, which runs through the Exclusion Zone, will be closed
approximately 1 hour prior to demolition and will reopen as soon as
possible after the demolition (Approx. 15 mins). Access for emergency
vehicles will be available at all times. |
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Read more...
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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 19 May 2005 |
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 If
you haven't seen the play "From These Green Heights" in the Axis you should.
It portrays Ballymun from the beginning to present. I thought it was brilliant.
its on tonight, Thursday until Saturday. Its well worth seeing. I'd recommend
it. |
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VIDEO: MacDermott Tower comes crashing down |
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Written by Administrator
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Saturday, 26 March 2005 |
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Found this excellent video footage of the implosion posted on the web at
indymedia.ie
The video shows the event from the ground and for those who missed it or just
want to relive those 5 seconds again, this video captures the atmosphere
brilliantly.
The video can be
downloaded
here - The full source article posted on indymedia.ie can be
viewed here |
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