Dublin continues to grow, there is a challenge in protecting the arts and cultural assets of the city whilst allowing sustainable growth; …. This challenge must be met in all parts of the city. Draft Dublin City Development Plan 2022-2028
The Development Plan proposes in Chapter 12 Section: 12.5.2- Cultural Hubs and Quarters, subheading Dublin 8, Kilmainham and Inchicore,
“The south central area of the city, with its wealth of historical, industrial, crafts and military heritage, has grown in importance as a cultural cluster within the city. A number of recent projects have and are being delivered in the area, making important interventions to support the growth of this area as an emerging cultural hub. Measures include the renovation and opening of Richmond Barracks as a heritage centre within the community with a particular focus on 1916 and the Decade of Centenaries; the acquisition and investment in Kilmainham Mills to create a new cultural and community space; plans for the new community arts facility at Bridgefoot St. and URDF funding sought to make a series of public realm interventions to support regeneration.”
I write in support of strengthening the amendment to be inserted after 1st paragraph Page: 442
Proposed Amendment:
The area also contains a number of high profile cultural and tourism destinations including Christchurch and St. Patrick’s cathedrals, and a range of brewing/distilling attractions; reflecting the craft and industrial heritage of this historic area. Weaving is also a strong tradition within the Liberties and a resurgence in interest in reviving the tradition presents opportunities to create new attractions, such as a craft hub.
I propose Strengthening the Amendment to Read
The area also contains a number of high profile cultural and tourism destinations including Christchurch and St. Patrick’s cathedrals, and a range of brewing/distilling attractions; reflecting the craft and industrial heritage of this historic area. Weaving and textile production is also a strong tradition within the Liberties with over a 1000 year history. The resurgence in interest in reviving the weaving tradition presents opportunities to create new attractions, such as a Craft Hub and Liberties Textile Museum and these will be addressed in this plan.
The Liberties has been the centre of textile production for over 1000 years. Some archaeological investigations and finds in the area directly related to weaving trace the industry to the Hiberno-Norse era.
The Liberties Weavers is the voluntary community group that is dedicated to breathing new life into the 1,000 years history of weaving and textile production in the Liberties. The Liberties Weavers share their research on the textiles that were produced in the Liberties, and in the lives of the people who made them. They also encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to learn the craft of weaving and create new beautiful handmade textiles that reflect our lives in the 21st century. It has been very successful in its mission to date and it was the Community Archives and Heritage Group 2022 award winner for Community Engagement
The Liberties has historically been home to an industrial working class and in recent decades, with the decline of the textile and other industries, a community that has become increasingly impoverished. Parts of the area are now described as ‘socially disadvantaged’. Recent years have experienced a shift in population profile with many economic migrants and refugees and at the same time a wealthier element starting the process of ‘gentrification’.
The Liberties Weavers aims to raise awareness about the rich history of the area and while targeting all of the above groups, to build a common sense of pride and local identity. It is an undisputed fact that people need social and cultural infrastructure to build connections and to learn from each other.
While the Liberties is the most densely populated part of Ireland, it has a dearth of usable cultural and craft spaces. In recent years, the Tivoli, Carmans Hall, St Anthonys Hall and the Rupert Guinness Theatre have all been closed to the public.
A refurbished Iveagh Market is the obvious place for a Liberties Textile Museum and the promotion of weaving and other crafts connected with textile production in the area. Given the history and tradition of the Iveagh Markets, it is also the most appropriate location for young sustainable fashion designers to promote and encourage, by example, and workshops for the local community and visitor alike, the creative recycling and up-cycling of discarded fast-fashion items and all sorts of ‘rubbish’, that if up-cycled could make unique, extraordinary and much sought after fashion pieces and useful gifts. This will challenge a practice that has up until recently been acceptable in a ‘throw away society’ ad could contribute on no small way to the need to address climate change and climate justice. This project would further enhance the Liberties Weavers collaborations with the NCAD and Liberties College.
The Liberties Weavers works to core community development values and practices, such as equality and inclusion. The important thing for all who initially engage with the project is not to make perfect weaving, but rather to enjoy the sociability of the experience and to gain the confidence to explore their own creativity and family stories.
In the short term, to seriously address the vision outlined in the Dublin City Development Plan 2022-2028, the provision of a centre for weaving and other crafts is an essential perquisite to ensuring a space for cultural and social connection. Thus in turn will clearly and successfully meet many of the objectives as outlined in the Dublin City Development Plan.
It would clearly address
- The Policy of Dublin City Council: CU4 Cultural Resources – “To support the development of new and expanded cultural resources and facilities within the city that enrich the lives of citizens and visitors, provide new opportunities for engagement and celebrate aspects of our history and culture”. p438
- “the strategic investment priority of the NPF of keeping culture at the heart of communities. P436 and
- increase the opportunity for greater engagement with local communities, the young, the marginalised and people with disabilities. p437 and in addition the elderly members of the Liberties community, migrant workers, and refugees.