A long-term resident of Dublin's docklands - which weighs a hefty 90 tonnes - has had a face-lift.
Weslin Construction were asked by the Dublin Port Company to renovate the iconic Diving Bell, and the works have been captured in a time-lapse video that's just been released.
Works began in February, when a 350 tonne crane was used to lift the Bell 10 metres down from its original position at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay.
It was then scrubbed up and placed on top of a two-metre high frame, which gave room for developers to create a small exhibition space underneath it which the public can walk through.
Inside the renovated Bell is a flowing water feature, and panels explaining the history of the Bell, which is now lit up orange at night by LEDs.
The Diving Bell, which was designed by port engineer Bindon Blood Stoney, was used in the building of the Port’s quay walls until 1958.
It would be lowered into position on the river bed, pumping water out and compressed air in, allowing workers to level the floor of the river safely. They could only work in 30 minute shifts dues to the excessive heat build up in the chamber.
The time lapse also shows the famous Mexican Tall Ship, the Cuauhtémoc, which docked in Ireland and was welcomed by President Higgins, getting it’s ceremonial escort into the port.
