Harbour Court gates erected seven months after councillors voted to close off access
Workers erect double gates at the wider Marlborough Street entrance to Harbour Court
The gates closing off the laneway at Harbour Court. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos
Gates have been installed on a laneway in Dublin’s north inner city, seven months after councillors voted to restrict access due to its reputation as a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.
Harbour Court, off Abbey Street, had become a focal point for “intravenous drug use”, according to Dublin City Council (DCC).
The laneway is a T-shape with three entrances: at Marlborough Street, opposite the Abbey Theatre; at Wynn’s Hotel close, to the Luas line; and a third onto Eden Quay.
Councillors made a majority decision in January to close off the laneway, which links to the back of multiple properties.
The decision was driven by the laneway being an open space for potential drug use, prostitution and drug paraphernalia, along with multiple complaints lodged by pubs, restaurants and other businesses that directly face the street.
Black steel gates, standing 2 metres high and topped with pointed finials, have now been installed at the Abbey Street entrance to Harbour Court.
Businesses such as Wynn’s Hotel and other pubs and restaurants in the area had been lobbying for its closure since 2009.
Harbour Court. Photo: Sam Boal / Collins
In January, local businesses told the Irish Independent they were “delighted” by the news of Harbour Court’s closure.
Fast-forward more than seven months and gates have finally been erected, restricting access to property owners who use the street for deliveries and bin storage.
The gates were installed last week following a lengthy procurement process and consultation with property owners.
Single-swing electric gates are now in place at the Abbey Street and Eden Quay passageway along with double gates that have been installed at the wider Marlborough Street entrance.
The installation will be completed this week, with the electronic gates becoming fully operational.
The decision to close off public access to the laneway was opposed by some councillors, including Green Party councillor Janet Horner, who said she was “strongly against the proposal”.
She called for a plan to eventually reopen the laneway, with suggestions for new lighting, murals and increased garda patrols.
However, the council confirmed the gates would be installed by the end of this month and that the decision to close the laneway to the public remains in place.
