Ireland
points increasing to kerb depths of 75mm within
the plaza and 150mm outside the plaza. It was
observed that the route below the Spire is a busy
junction and that pedestrians cross, not just in the
relatively level prescribed crossing areas, but also
by cutting across zones where the kerb height is
increasing. This changing kerb height was observed
to be a trip-hazard in these areas, even though it is
visually delineated using the pink and grey coloured
bands. These paving materials and colours are band-
ed across the site to include both the pavements
and the carriageways. The streetscape is visually
complex in this area and may lead pedestrians to
become distracted.
On the blocks behind the level kerbs, stainless
steel crossing point studs are used for pavement/
roadway delineation. On alternate paving blocks
forming the kerb, larger stainless steel studs have
been installed to mark the proximity of the car-
riageway, which is difficult to discern in certain
light levels and shadow patterns, owing to the
use of pavement and carriageway materials of the
same stone. The studs do not appear very large on
site, however, and visually might be mistaken for
lighting units.
Lighter blocks are used occasionally as ‘spot
stones’ to mark out the area for the carriageways
and are also used in the central reservation and
in front of the GPO. This also diminishes the vis-
ual difference between the carriageways and the
pavements, which could have pedestrian safety
implications.
The interface between O’Connell Street and North
Earl Street is well maintained and only two units
showed signs of jointing weakness. Visually this
high-quality junction serves to emphasise the excel-
lence of the new scheme compared to North Earl
Street. The development of this area to high design
and detailed standards provides a more appropriate
setting for the historic buildings while maintaining
contemporary flair and has positively developed this
major access route for the economic and aesthetic
benefit of the inhabitants, investors and visitors to
the capital city.
