Work to replace the paving on Grafton Street is to begin within weeks at a cost of €4 million. The red brick surface is to be replaced with more durable granite paving.
The work will last 18 months, with an eight-week break at Christmas, and will be done in sections, Dublin City Council said yesterday. The street will stay open to pedestrians but there will be restricted access for delivery vans.
The council stressed that the revamp was needed because the current brick surface had become worn and damaged.
"We can't afford not to do it because we are spending money every day replacing brick and repairing parts of the road," said Brian Swan, deputy city architect.
The work will coincide with the nearby construction of a new Luas line linking the St Stephen’s Green Line with the Red Line on Abbey Street.
Having the two projects continuing at the same time was unavoidable, said Dick Gleeson, Dublin city planner.
“This project to improve Grafton Street couldn’t wait,” he added.
The granite paving will be similar to that on O’Connell Street and Henry Street. Part of it has been sourced in Wicklow and the rest is Iberian granite. Street lighting and bollards on Grafton Street will also be replaced.
After Grafton Street is complete, there are plans to replace paving around Trinity College and Westmoreland Street.
“The environment in Grafton Street hasn’t matched the quality of what’s on offer and an upgrade is needed,” said Richard Guiney, chief executive of Dublin City Business Improvement District.
Shops on the street had worked with the council on access and hoardings to ensure there was minimal disruption to business, Mr Guiney added.