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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Roisin Cullen

Iconic Castle Market red brick pavement will be permanently replaced with beige asphalt

Castle Market's iconic red brick pavement will be replaced with beige asphalt as Dublin City council believe the bricks are "no longer fit for purpose".

Tarmac is currently being put down after some of the historic red bricks and part of the iconic repeating three castles pattern on the street were torn up.

And the council have confirmed the street will be covered with beige coloured asphalt, in keeping with other pedestrianised streets in the area that have recently had work done to them, including Exchequer Street, Wicklow Street, Duke Street, South Anne Street and North Earl Street.

The resurfacing is currently causing chaos for local businesses with popular boozer Grogan's having to close their outdoor dining area for the week.

DCC said that the condition of the bricks had deteriorated, and that the street had become a trip hazard.

They are switching up the surface in an effort to make the street more pedestrian friendly with the works expected to be finished on Thursday.

A DCC spokeswoman said: "Castle Market is currently not listed for future permanent Public Realm upgrade work.

"There has been significant deterioration in the condition of the red brick pavers currently on Castle Market due to constant loading from delivery trucks.

"This significant deterioration has caused bricks to loosen which has resulted in numerous trip hazards and an unsuitable surface for pedestrians. Road Maintenance Services’ contractor, SIAC BP, are replacing the area of red brick pavers with a beige coloured asphalt which is more pedestrian friendly while also being able to sustain the loading from delivery trucks.

"The beige colour is in keeping with other recent pedestrian area resurfacing around the city including Exchequer Street, Wicklow Street, Duke Street, South Anne Street and North Earl Street.

"Dublin City Council Road Maintenance Services and Dublin Town consulted with all businesses on Castle Market on the extent of these works prior to commencement. Following this engagement, an agreement for working dates and times was reached which satisfied businesses and would have the least level of disruption on traders on Castle Market.

"The works commenced on Monday and will be completed by Thursday barring any unforeseen delays."

Locals were up in arms over the removal of the historic red pavers with many explaining the significance of the bricks. Many hoped that the bricks would be repaired and re-installed and that the tarmac was only a temporary measure.

One person tweeted: ""I know it’s supposed to be temporary but you wouldn’t trust DCC as far as you could throw them when it comes to ensuring public space is protected.

"The stones here are actually laid out to depict the three burning castles of Dublin’s coat of arms and they should be restored!"

Another wrote: "That head of aesthetics role is clearly still up for grabs in DCC. Tarmac going into Castle Market."

A third said: "What is wrong with Dublin City Council? It's like they hate the city."

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