During the rejuvenation of the villages of Ringsend and Irishtown by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) in conjunction with Dublin City Council (DCC), a number of local people objected to the barrier wall, which was planned to replace the crash barrier on the bad bend at the junction of Bridge Street and Irishtown road.

It was decided to replace the old barrier with a curved line of steel bars, which stretch from the bus stop in Ringsend to opposite the Library. But these are no ordinary run-of-the-mill railings– these are sculptured, artistically inspired works of art by the Irish-based artist Grace Weir.

A description of the work of this artist says she explores the relationship between events, places and time. She questions how and why certain events occur in a particular way and explores the ability to represent these occurrences. Unfortunately, the visual effect of this particular art form is hidden from everyone other than those who are willing to risk life and limb!

When I was alerted to this ‘hidden art’ in Ringsend, I discovered the steel bars, or some of them, have names of books and their authors engraved on one side of the bars. However, these are only visible from the road and are to be admired by passing motorists.Some of the bars appear to have rust stains. Although I did not inspect these too closely, it appears that local dogs have found a use for these pillars and are damaging the metal.

A spokesman for DCC told me that the architects, McCullough Mulvin, had redesigned the barrier and following consultation with the DDDA the work was commissioned. On making enquires with the DDDA it was revealed that a notice was placed in the library inviting people to write down the names of their favourite book and these were then selected to go on the metal bars, which are meant to represent books. This piece of work was very expensive so some pillars were left blank. I noticed that no one chose Patricia Scanlan’s first book ‘City Girl’ which was written while she was a Librarian in Ringsend.

In answer to my query regarding why the engraving appears on the outside and not where pedestrians would see it, the artist told me “We decided to do this so the engravings catch the sunlight on the road side, which is south-facing.” She further stated that the engravings would capture the attention of people as they leave the library.

On closer inspection, I found that the only way to see the lettering is by stepping outside the metal barrier. We would not advise motorists or truck driver to avert their eyes from the road at this dangerous bend to admire them. However, if the glint of these engravings does catch your eye as you leave the library and you are curious, invest in a pair of binoculars, as the lettering is only two inches high and barely visible.