Tallaght
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| Tallaght Tamhlacht Muintir Partholón |
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| Endurance / Fulaingt | ||
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| Location | ||
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| Irish Grid Reference O093265 |
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| Statistics | ||
| Province: | Leinster | |
| County: | South Dublin | |
| Elevation: | 90 m | |
| Population (2006) | 64,282 | |
Tallaght (Tamhlacht in Irish), after Dublin City and Cork is the third largest urban concentration in the Republic of Ireland. Situated 13 kilometres south-west of Dublin city, at the foot of the Dublin - Wicklow mountains, it was one of the earliest settlements in the country and one of medieval Ireland's most important monastic centres. Its urban and suburban areas consist primarily of housing estates that were built from the late 1960s onwards, a village dating from at least the 17th century and a new town centre area which was begun in the late 1980s. It is the administrative capital of South Dublin County Council.
Tallaght stretches from the M50 motorway and Templeogue in the east to Citywest and Saggart in the west, and from Glen na Smol and Knocklyon in the south to Clondalkin and Walkinstown in the north. Because of its relatively large population, there have been calls for it to be given city status. However, it is considered as part of the Greater Dublin Area.
The figure, listed to the right, is not an accurate reflection of the actual population of the total area that has been historically associated with Tallaght. In 2002, South Dublin County Council removed several of Tallaght's historically associated districts when they re-drew the D.E.D.s (District Electoral Divisions). This gives an inaccurate impression of the total population for the area, which could more accurately be put at one hundred thousand.
Tallaght is connected to Dublin city by Dublin Bus services and the Red Line of the LUAS light rail system, which opened in September 2004. Though the first stop of the Red line is called 'Tallaght', the entire 'Red 4' zone lies within the Tallaght area. Tallaght is poorly connected to Dublin's suburbs, as public transport predominantly runs through Dublin city centre. This has led to high levels of car dependence. A metro rail system is currently being planned for Dublin, where by taking a circuitous route, it is proposed to link Tallaght with Dublin's western suburbs including Clondalkin, Lucan, and Blanchardstown.
While not formally adopted, Tallaght was laid out as a new town, as set out in the 1967 Myles Wright masterplan for the greater Dublin Area. This proposed four self-contained new towns at Tallaght, Clondalkin, Lucan and Blanchardstown. While later it was absorbed into the larger suburban area of Dublin, Tallaght has developed a distinctive identity, arising largely from its rapid growth during the last decade. Characterised by the same problems associated with poorly planned fringe areas of many European cities, during the 1970s and 80s it had become synonymous with suburban mismanagement. Tallaght now, however, has a thriving local arts, cultural, sports and economic outlook matched by a distinctive sense of place. Along with libraries and local arts groups it can boast two theatres and a home-grown youth theatre company. It is also the home of the National Basketball Arena and several notable martial arts schools and Gaelic Athletic Association clubs.
[edit] History
Tallaght is Middle Irish for pit of tears, being made up of the Gaelic words "tamh", meaning pit and "lachta", meaning tears. The words, “Tamhlacht Muintir Partholón” denote its state as a mass grave, and is mentioned in Lebor Gabála Érenn (or Book Of Invasions) as being the burial place of thousands of Partholonians who died from a plague very much like the Black Death. Saint Maelruain established a monastic settlement in Tallaght in 796. By this time Tallaght and Swords were considered centres of learning and were also known as the "Eyes of Ireland". The monastery was later burned down by the Vikings in AD 811 but continued into the Norman era .
Throughout the greater part of the 13th century a state of comparative peace existed at Tallaght, but subsequently the O’Byrnes and O’Tooles took offensive action and were joined by many of the Archbishop’s tenants. As a result of this the land was not tilled, the pastures were not stocked and the holdings were deserted. In 1310 the bailiffs of Tallaght got a royal grant to enclose the town. No trace of these defensive walls survive and there is no evidence of their exact location, except for the name of the Watergate Bridge which spans the stream on the Oldbawn Road. Such raids also prompted the construction, in 1324, of Tallaght castle. Tallaght then became an important defensive site on the edge of the Pale.
Tallaght was also a centre for Fenian activity. On the 5th of March 1867 the police station at Tallaght became the scene of the 'Battle of Tallaght' which took place between the police and the Dublin Fenians. The rebellion ultimately failed for a number of reasons; primarily because the rebels' plans were betrayed to the authorities, who were prepared for the event. In addition, several Fenian leaders had been arrested prior to the insurrection.
Many mills were built along the Dodder River during the 17th and 18th centuries and this brought new prosperity which saw the building of many houses in the area. The LUAS was not the first tram system to service Tallaght. On August 1st, 1888 the Dublin to Blessington Steam Tramway opened. Passing through Tallaght Village, the 24 kilometre tramway ran from Blessington to Terenure, whereafter horse drawn trams completed the passengers' journey to Nelson's Pillar in Dublin city. This provided a new means of transporting goods and also brought day-trippers out from the city. In 1895 the line was extended southwards from Blessington to Poulaphouca. The withdrawal of British troops stationed at Blessington after independence, combined with the advent of the motor car and motorised buses led to its eventual closure on 31 December 1932.
On 2 September 1987 Alan Dukes, the leader of the opposition Fine Gael political party, delivered a famous speech to the Tallaght Chamber of Commerce in which the policy which became known as the Tallaght Strategy was outlined.
The Domino's Pizza store in Tallaght became the first in Domino’s history to hit a turnover of $3 million (€2.35 million) a year.
[edit] Chronology
769 St. Maelruain’s Monastery founded
792 Death of St. Maelruain
811 St. Maelruain’s Monastery devastated by the Vikings
1179 Tallaght and its hinterland confirmed to the See of Dublin.
1310 Bailiffs of Tallaght given royal grant to enclose the town.
1324 Building commences on Tallaght Castle.
1331/2 Tallaght Castle plundered by O’Toole of Imaile.
1378 Mathew son of Redmond de Bermingham takes up station at Tallaght castle to resist the O’ Byrnes.
1540 O’ Toole’s invade and devastate Tallaght Castle and surrounding manors.
1635 Old Bawn House built.
1729 Tallaght Castle demolished.
1729 Archbishop’s Palace built by Archbishop Hoadley.
1822 Archbishop’s Palace demolished by Major Palmer, who then builds Tallaght House.
1829 Parish Church of Ireland built.
1856 Tallaght House is sold to Dominicans.
1864 St. Mary’s Priory built.
1867 Battle of Tallaght.
1883 New Priory Church built.
1888 Dublin to Blessington Steam tramway commences operation, passing through Tallaght Village.
1955 New retreat house built at Priory, enclosing Tallaght House.
1987 Alan Dukes outlines the Tallaght Strategy to the Tallaght Chamber of Commerce.
1990 The Square shopping centre opens.
1992 Institute of Technology, Tallaght opens.
1994 South Dublin County Council comes into existence, with new headquarters in Tallaght town centre. Tallaght Youth Theatre is founded.
1995 Tallaght Theatre built in Kilnamanagh.
1999 Civic Theatre opens adjacent to South Dublin County Council headquarters in Tallaght Town Centre.
2004 The Red Line of the LUAS light rail system opens, connecting Tallaght Central to Connolly Station in Dublin city.
[edit] Districts of Tallaght
Tallaght is comprised of the following areas. Tallaght town centre occupies the centre-east district. It encompasses "Belgard Square", the main shopping area (see The Square), the final luas stop, the Hospital, Sean Walsh Memorial Park and several bars and hotels. Tallaght Village is situated to the east of the new town centre, and lies north of the Tallaght Bypass (N81). To the east of the Village lies the Tymon North/Balrothery area. This includes housing estates including Bancroft, Balrothery, Glenview, Castle Park, St. Aongus, Tymon, Bolbrook and Avonbeg. This part of Tallaght is home to several sporting facilities including the National Basketball Arena, a fitness centre, two swimming pools, an athletics track and an astro-turf and soccer facility. Tymon Park is Ireland's second largest city park which borders Greenhills, Templeogue and Tymon North, it contains extensive sporting grounds, ponds, a gaelscoil and one of Ireland's largest playgrounds at the Tymon North entrance.
To the south of Tallaght Village lies North of Old Bawn, which is bordered by Sean Walsh Memorial (Watergate) Park to the north, Firhouse Road West in the south, by Old Bawn Road in the east and Kiltipper Way in the west. To the east of Old Bawn, estates include Home Lawns, Avonbeg, Mountain Park, Millbrook Lawns and Seskin View, while futher east is Firhouse. Immediately west of the town centre are the estates of Virginia Heights and Springfield. Further west are Jobstown, Kiltalown, and Fettercairn. To the far west, bordering with Saggart, lie newer estates such as Deselby, Mountain View, The Belfry, Ardmore, Westbrook Glen, Saggart Abbey and Carrigmore. To the south of the N81 dual carriageway are Kiltipper, Aylesbury and Killinarden, which is comprised of the residential areas of Cushlawn, Donomore, Killinarden Estate and Knockmore.
Belgard Green, Belgard Heights, Kingswood Heights and Kilnamanagh are situated at the north end of Tallaght, adjacent to Clondalkin. Kilnamanagh, was once considered to be the largest private housing estate in Europe (until the Petrzalka estate in Bratislava took that title).
[edit] Features
It is home to The Square, one of Ireland's largest shopping centres. The centre consists of three retail levels and is accessible by the LUAS and extensive bus services. Anchor tenants at the centre include Tesco Ireland, Debenhams, Easons, and Dunnes Stores as well as a multiplex 12-screen cinema operated by United Cinemas International. At present, two hotels are located in the town centre; the Plaza Hotel, and The Abberley Court Hotel, while a new hotel is under construction near Watergate Park. The town centre is home to local government branches including South Dublin County Council, the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Health Service Executive (Eastern Region) as well as local FÁS offices.
Across the N81 dual carriageway, south of the town centre, is the site of the proposed new soccer ground, the Tallaght Stadium. The proposed 6,000 seat ground was initially undertaken by Shamrock Rovers Football Club on lands belonging to South Dublin County Council. However the project was marred by financial problems, and the site reverted back to Council ownership. Work on the site remains stalled, but the Council intends to complete the stadium in 2007.
Adjacent to the LUAS terminus is the headquarters of South Dublin County Council, Tallaght Library and the Civic Theatre. The Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin Incorporating the National Children's Hospital (better known as Tallaght Hospital) is located nearby. Recently local people took to the streets, marching in protest at the Government's decision to relocate the National Children's Hospital at The Matter in north Dublin city.
The third level body; Institute of Technology, Tallaght, along with Saint Maelruain's Church and the Dominican Priory, are located in the historic quarter of Tallaght Village.
Tallaght is renowned for holding an annual St. Patrick's Day parade. On 12 July 1998, it welcomed the Tour de France. This year it will host South Dublin County's first annual 'Hallowfest' in celebraton of the Celtic festival of Samhain.
[edit] Current Development
The town centre has witnessed much construction in recent years, predominantly of new apartment buildings, including a twelve storey building on the site of the farmhouse previously known as "Virginia House" (the base of operations for many years of the Tallaght Community Arts Centre). This new building is currently the tallest in Tallaght. A new arts centre for South Dublin County is planned for a site near to County Hall. Intensive work will be undertaken in the near future to further integrate Sean Walsh (Watergate) Park with the new Town Centre of Tallaght. Part of this development will either include transforming a section of the Tallaght By-pass (N81) into a boulevard to better integrate the two areas or the construction of a predestrian land-bridge between the two areas.
[edit] Politics
Tallaght is in the Dublin South West Dáil constituency. The 2002 General Election election saw Seán Crowe of Sinn Féin top the poll and get elected at the first count. Pat Rabbitte, leader of the Labour Party, was also elected along with Charlie O'Connor and Conor Lenihan of Fianna Fáil. A South Dublin County-wide election will be held in 2007 as part of nationwide elections. In recent years smaller parties such as the Socialist Workers Party and the Socialist Party have spearheaded campiagns and community activities within the region.
[edit] Notable People
Famous Tallaght people include the artist Evie Hone (1894-1955); the well known folklorist, Malachi Horan (1847-1945); the writer Katharine Tynan (1861-1931); wood engraver, figure painter and illustrator Elizabeth Rivers (1903-1964); the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, George Otto Simms (1910-1991); the artist and sculptor Oisín Kelly (1915-1981); the journalist, and world's first war-correspondent, William Howard Russell (1821-1907); comedian and TV presenter Dave Allen (1936-2005) and soccer players Robbie Keane (1980-present) and Richard Dunne (1979-present). The former is currently the captain of the Republic of Ireland national football team and the vice-captain of the English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur while the latter is captain of the English Premier League club Manchester City F.C..
[edit] References
- ↑ South Dublin CC History:Tallaght. Retrieved on March 31, 2006.
