The pedestrianisation of the main street in Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin, will go ahead next month following strong public support for the proposal, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has said.
Traffic will be banned from Lower George’s Street from July 5th for a three month trial until September 30th, to facilitate outdoor dining, markets, arts and cultural events, along a quarter of a kilometre stretch running from Marine Road to a newly-created pedestrian plaza, Myrtle Square.
More than 1,000 people took part in public consultation on the proposals with 70 per cent in favour of the pedestrianisation plan, the council said.
Many of the issues raised by those opposed to the scheme, which included concerns about traffic displacement onto residential streets, deliveries to businesses, and potential public order issues, had been addressed the council said.
“In view of the feedback and comments provided by the public, a range of mitigation and enhancement measures will be integrated into the project, and this includes enhanced street cleansing and maintenance, detailed measures to manage traffic and optimise traffic flow [and] improved accessibility for all users,” the council said.
There would also be “ongoing engagement with An Garda Síochána” throughout the summer in relation to traffic and “community policing” matters it said. There would be a “focus on animating and enlivening the streetscape, whereby street activities will be planned, managed and activated in collaboration with stakeholders” it said.
Buses will be diverted along Marine Road, Crofton Road and Clarence Street, and new temporary bus stops would be provided on Crofton Road and at the top of Clarence Street. The routes affected are the 46a and 75, but the diversion relates to westbound buses only, with the eastbound journey remaining unaffected, the council said.
Deliveries will be permitted up to 11am, and loading bays will be provided at the edge of the pedestrian zone to facilitate businesses during the day.
Advance traffic signage will be implemented on approach roads including the N11 to discourage non-Dun Laoghaire bound traffic from using the town as a throughway.
Lower George’s Street was pedestrianised more than 20 years ago. However, cars were allowed back in 2008 following complaints from some business and community groups that detours were deterring shoppers and the town was not car-friendly.
Council cathaoirleach Lettie McCarthy said the public consultation process was key to ensuring the success of the project. “I am pleased to see so many of the consultation respondents indicating their support and I am really looking forward to the transformation of Georges Street and surrounding streets this summer. Dún Laoghaire will be buzzing.”
