Confusion surrounding the correct name of weir

Confusion surrounding the correct name of weir

By Aimee Walsh

A MOTION to change the name of what is known as ‘Balrothery Weir’ to Firhouse Weir has been shelved following a vote at the County Development Plan meeting.

Balrothery Weir or Firhouse Weir, also known as City Weir or City Watercourse, is a well-known hidden gem situated at Mount Carmel Park, Firhouse.

Balrothery Weir1 1

A motion to change the name of what is known as the Balrothery Weir to Firhouse Weir was shelved

The picturesque weir has been a point of contention amongst local residents, due to confusion surrounding its “correct” name.

The weir has been known by a few names over the years such as the Firhouse Weir, Balrothery Weir and Tallaght Weir and holds great historic importance and value to residents of Firhouse.

The weir was built by the monks of St. Thomas’ Abbey on Thomas Street at a date before 1244, and then altered by the citizens in 1244 to increase the flow. Before this, the water supply for Dublin City was provided by the River Poddle, which rises in Greenhills in Tallaght. Almost all of the Dodder’s water was diverted into the Weir.

A motion was put forward by councillor Brian Lawlor, councillor Baby Pereppadan and councillor David McManus at South Dublin County Council’s County Development Plan meeting to change the listing of the weir in the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) which is currently listed as ‘City Watercourse, Firhouse’ to read ‘Firhouse Weir’.

The motion to change the name to ‘Firhouse Weir’ in the RPS was voted against by a majority vote from local councillors, and will remain listed as ‘City Watercourse, Firhouse’.

Speaking with The Echo, Councillor for Firhouse – Bohernabreena Alan Edge, who voted against the motion to change the name, said that the weir has “long been one of the features most intimately associated with Firhouse”.

“It is undeniably a key part of how Firhouse residents define themselves and their area, but to residents in the wider Tallaght area, it has a deep significance too and a different name,” said Cllr Edge.

“I think we need to accept that placenames are highly subjective and respect the fact that people’s views may differ. If you played at Balrothery Weir as a kid, it will always be Balrothery Weir to you.

“If you grew up calling it Firhouse Weir, that’s doubtless what you’ll call it to the end of your days.”

In response to the motion, a manager’s report from South Dublin County Council read: “The address/location refers to Firhouse and the description includes the Millrace, Weir and Sluice gates at Firhouse Weir, also known as Balrothery Weir.

“It was requested under the review of the previous CDP that Firhouse be changed to Balrothery, however, the location description was correctly left as Firhouse, reflecting its historic name. The original description and location should therefore be left unchanged.”

Cllr Edge added that the issue has proved to be one that has aroused feelings of anger and ill-feeling, and it is finally time that it be put to an end.

He said: “The name of the Weir and the accompanying watercourse infrastructure is and always has been The City Watercourse, Firhouse and that’s what it should remain to avoid any confusion or controversy.

“People remain free to call it whatever they’ve grown up calling it, hopefully free from censure from someone who happens to have a different perspective.”

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