Related Archive: Dublin Port

2006 CE

St Andrews and the Port Tunnel

Archived: 26 September 2026

Abstract

In 2006, Ireland’s boom brought record housebuilding, low unemployment, migration and pressure on infrastructure and services. The census recorded 4,239,848 people, with non-Irish nationals comprising about one tenth, reflecting profound social and religious change. Government responded through employment-permit, strategic-planning and social-partnership measures, while the Dublin Port Tunnel opened to improve freight access. In Northern Ireland, the St Andrews Agreement created a route towards restoring devolved power-sharing, although Stormont remained suspended; a Transitional Assembly began preparatory work. The High Court rejected recognition of Katherine Zappone and Ann Louise Gilligan’s Canadian marriage. Europe’s Ryder Cup victory at the K Club projected confidence.

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1786 CE

Liffey Works and Rightboys

Archived: 12 October 2026

Abstract

In 1786, Ireland combined constitutional autonomy with entrenched exclusion. The Dublin parliament, dominated by Protestant elites under Lord Lieutenant Rutland, operated after Pitt’s failed commercial proposals. In Dublin, Rutland laid the Four Courts foundation stone, while the Dublin Port Act created the Ballast Board to improve harbour administration and trade. These projects symbolised state infrastructure and employment. Meanwhile, Munster Rightboys protested tithes, rents and religious charges through intimidation and violence, exposing rural insecurity despite Catholic relief. The execution of George Robert FitzGerald demonstrated limits upon landed privilege. Declining Volunteers and restricted political participation underscored Ireland’s deep confessional and economic tensions.

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