Attractive Trees - Select Image To View Photographs

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ATTRACTIVE TREES

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The tension arises because many residents are fond of the "old-world" charm and the specific look of the current bandstand, even in its decaying state. The proposal to remove the original roof and columns is seen by some as losing the park's heritage. In contrast, the council argues that "doing nothing" will eventually lead to the structure having to be demolished for safety reasons, whereas their plan ensures its survival as a working venue.

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I was caught in a very heavy rain downpour and had to take shelter and could not get close enough to the flowers to determine their structure so all that I can say is that they are white.

The striking white canopies currently visible in Bushy Park often spark a botanical debate. While these trees bear a resemblance to the common ornamental Cherry Blossom, they are most likely one of Ireland’s two native species.

The Wild Cherry (Prunus avium)

The most frequent resident in Irish woodlands and parks is the Wild Cherry. It is distinguished by pure white, five-petaled flowers that hang in clusters from long stalks. The bark is a tell-tale sign, often appearing shiny and reddish-brown with prominent horizontal lines called lenticels.

The Bird Cherry (Prunus padus)

Often mistaken for Almond due to its intoxicating fragrance, the Bird Cherry features flowers that grow in long, drooping spikes known as racemes. These "bottle-brush" blooms release a powerful scent reminiscent of marzipan. This almond-like aroma is a defence mechanism, as the bark and leaves contain compounds that smell of cyanide and almonds to deter herbivores.

The Almond Connection

While true Almond trees (Prunus dulcis) belong to the same genus, they are rarely found in public Irish parks due to a preference for Mediterranean climates. The confusion typically arises from the Bird Cherry's scent or the similar delicate structure of the petals across the Prunus family.

Identifying the Scene

For those capturing these specimens through a lens, the Wild Cherry offers a classic, cloud-like aesthetic, while the Bird Cherry provides unique vertical geometry and texture. Both species represent the peak of Ireland's native spring floral display.

The old bandstand in Bushy Park, Terenure, has been a subject of local debate because while it is a cherished aesthetic landmark, it has fallen into severe dereliction. Dublin City Council (DCC) plans to significantly alter the structure—which some locals view as a "replacement"—primarily to make it a functional, safe, and accessible community space again.

The Bandstand - Why DCC Wants to "Replace" or Renovate It

According to the Bushy Park Landscape Masterplan, the council’s goal is to transform the structure from a "silent stage" into a vibrant civic venue. Their reasons include:

Structural Decay: The bandstand has suffered from years of neglect, leading to rotting timber, weathered surfaces, and overall dereliction. It is currently unusable for public performances in its current state.

Lack of Accessibility: The original design does not meet modern accessibility standards. Proposed plans include adding an accessible ramp so that all performers and members of the community can use the stage.

Modern Functionality: To make it a viable venue for 21st-century events, the council plans to add lighting, a backstage area, and an enhanced stage element.

Safety and Anti-Social Behaviour: Derelict structures often attract anti-social behaviour. By stripping back parts of the old structure (including the existing roof, columns, and rear wall) and rebuilding it, the council aims to create a more "open" and supervised environment.

Visual Cohesion: The refurbishment is designed to match the materials used in the park's new tearooms, creating a unified look for the park's amenities.

The "Please Stand By" Mural

Because the bandstand remained idle for so long, the Dublin art group Subset collaborated with the council in 2019 to create a mural titled "Please Stand By" on the structure. This was intended to draw attention to its neglected state and spark a conversation about its future. While the mural is popular, it was always intended as a temporary artistic intervention before the major structural works began.

Local Sentiment vs. Official Plans

The tension arises because many residents are fond of the "old-world" charm and the specific look of the current bandstand, even in its decaying state. The proposal to remove the original roof and columns is seen by some as losing the park's heritage. In contrast, the council argues that "doing nothing" will eventually lead to the structure having to be demolished for safety reasons, whereas their plan ensures its survival as a working venue.

This project follows a similar recent trend in Dublin parks, such as the restoration of the Herbert Park Bandstand, though that project focused more on faithful historical restoration than the functional "modernisation" proposed for Bushy Park.

Bushy Park - Select Image To View Photographs

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