Demolition of Thomas Mac Donagh Tower
Photo with thanks to Ballymun Regeneration Ltd
Demolition Day for Thomas Mac Donagh Tower - June 5
Thomas Mac Donagh Tower which is situated close to the Axis Community and Arts Resource Centre, was demolished by implosion on June 5, 2005 at aproximately 11.30 am. The demolition was carried out by Controlled Demolition Group Ltd, a British based company which has a good international record for demolishing all types of structures by implosion.
On Sunday morning (June 5) an Exclusion Zone was established and operated from 8am until approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes after the demolition had been completed. No members of the public were permitted inside this Exclusion Zone.
Prior to the demolition, the Dublin City Manager, John Fitzgerald, Asst. City Manager and Managing Director of Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, Ciaran Murray and Minister of State at the Department Of Environment & Local Government, Noel Ahern TD, addressed the 2,000 or so people who had come to watch the demolition, then the countdown began. However, with about two minutes to go before the explosives were to be triggered, an announcement was made that for security reasons, a final check was to be made in and around the Axis Centre, so there would be a thirty-minute delay. Consternation! Time dragged on painfully and children were becoming restless, then the eerie sound of a siren blared across the area giving a five-minute warning of the impending blast.
Twelve year-old Oscar Mc McCauley, great-great grandson of Thomas Mac Donagh, took up his position to press the demolition button, a ten-second countdown was chanted by the onlookers, the button was pressed and following the frightening crack of explosives, Thomas Mac Donagh Tower became a heap of rubble within five seconds.
Access to the Ballymun Road through the exclusion zone from Shangan, Coultry, Balcurris and Sillogue, was not permitted until approximately 30 minutes after the demolition was completed. Access during this time was only available for emergency vehicles.
An Garda Siochana and the demolition contractors security staff maintained crowd control barriers at the perimeter of the Exclusion Zone.
Viewing the demolition from the perimeter of the Exclusion Zone was perfectly safe, however there was a significant dust cloud after the explosion and it had been recommended that individuals with breathing difficulties should stay indoors. It was also advised to keep all windows closed and to ensure that all washing had been removed from clothes lines before 10.30am. Owners of pets were asked to ensure that they were kept indoors or on a secure lead.
This page was updated on 22nd July, 2005