Dublin's iconic Wolfe Tone Park reopened today following recent works by Dublin City Council.
The north inner city park was closed during the pandemic as the Parks, Biodiversity and Landscape Services team worked to restore it to a green space.
In the 18th century, the park was originally a market space as part of the Jervis Estate, before becoming a graveyard attached to St Mary's church.
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It was deconsecrated in 1966 and was first laid out as a park in 1998 by Dublin Corporation.
In 2001, the park redesigned as an "urban plaza" and was "used regularly for events which in hindsight were probably not appropriate in a former burial ground".
However, the council said that the new design is "respectful of the site context".
During construction, the Parks team worked with Ruth Johnson, City Archaeologist, to carry out a full survey and inventory of the grave memorials.
The new design features four pedestrian entrance points, 21 trees and a mixture of herbaceous perennials, bulbs, ornamental grasses and hedging shrubs.
Parking spaces adjoining the park on Wolfe Tone Street and Jervis Street have been removed and the carriageway on Wolfe Tone Street has been narrowed in order to "maximise the public realm for pedestrians".
Lord Mayor of Dublin Alison Gilliland officially reopened the park today and thanked local businesses and Dublin Town for their patience while the project was completed.
She said: "I can see Wolfe Tone Park becoming a focal point to be enjoyed by the people of Dublin and a welcome addition to what Dublin has to offer to everyone in the city – local residents and those working in and visiting the city.
"Parks play a huge role in supporting people’s wellbeing providing an outdoor space for recreation. They are also crucial to greening our city, both to increase our biodiversity and enhance our air quality."
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