Pre-Design Engagement Phase: Living Streets Dún Laoghaire

Overview

Living Streets Dún Laoghaire is a new project that will explore options for sustainable mobility and public realm improvements to make the local streets safer & greener, keep our economy vibrant, and communities more connected.

The Living Streets initiative involves three main elements, outlined below and in the survey.

1) Town Centre - Streetscape upgrades

• Better landscaping, planting, and seating throughout the length of the town and side streets create a safe, welcoming, and vibrant environment.

• Pedestrianising part of Georges Street Lower (between Patrick Street and Myrtle Square) to enhance the attractiveness of this area as a destination and its economic vibrancy. This area was pedestrianised in Summer 2022 – according to an independent evaluation, a majority of respondents wanted this made permanent.

2) Living Streets Neighbourhood

• We are considering placing a small number of bollards or planters on 2-4 streets, within the area that is flanked by York Road, Tivoli Road, Corrig Road, Glenageary Road Lower, and George's Street. This will deter rat running (traffic cutting through the area).

• Vehicle access will be maintained for local residents, businesses, visitors, and services (e.g. waste collection, emergency services) for every address within the area.

• This will create quieter, safer roads with less traffic and pollution. Coupled with enhanced planting and seating, it will create a more inviting place to be in, and to move around on foot, bike, or on wheels. Similar projects have proven beneficial for local businesses and community well-being elsewhere.

3) Sustainable Mobility Improvements

• A safer walking environment will be created through reduced traffic overall, pedestrian crossings, traffic calming, increased footpath widths and quality, and accessibility improvements.

• Access to the town will be maintained for bus and rail users (e.g. through appropriate positioning of bus stops, good walkways between travel options, and bike parking near bus stops and train stations).

• Better linkages will be made between walking and cycling infrastructure (i.e. the Coastal Mobility Route; the Metals; and 'DLR Central' which will be built 2023/24).

• Sign-posting, wayfinding, and car parking options will be made clearer, to assist with accessibility for those who need to drive.

The project aims to:

• Make walking, cycling, and public transport more convenient, enjoyable, and safer for all. 

• Improve the environment by reducing traffic and related noise and air pollution, and more planting in public spaces.

• Enhance the economic vibrancy of Dún Laoghaire as a mixed-use town and its attractiveness as a destination by facilitating the sustainable and efficient movement of people and goods, and by creating an environment that people want to linger in.

• Improve connections between bus, rail, and active travel facilities to make it easier for people to get around. 

• Promote health and well-being in the community by enabling safer active travel and enhancing the public realm for outdoor play, recreation, and social interaction. 

• Promote equitable travel options and urban design that creates a safe and welcoming experience for all members of society, regardless of age, gender, ability, or income. 

What stage is the project at?

Traffic management and mobility studies are being carried out and DLR is engaging with local residents and business representative groups. The aim is to have a detailed scheme design ready by spring 2023. When this is ready, we will carry out the formal consultation process. As part of that process, there will be another consultation survey, along with workshops, public meetings, and information displays to get feedback from the public on the proposed designs.

Your views

To inform the initial design process, we would like to hear your views on the existing public realm of Dún Laoghaire and what you would like to see addressed in the 'Living Streets' design. There are a number of ways you can find out more about the project and contribute to the initial design process.

• Pre-design online survey: Open till 06 February 2023, click for the survey

• Pop-Up Information Session: We're having a pop-up session on Thursday 09 February 2023 at Dlr Lexicon Library from 2 - 5 pm. Come and meet the Living Streets team to learn more about this project and share your ideas and views.

• Public information webinar: Click to watch the webinar recording

• Drop-in Information Session: 5 - 8 pm Wednesday 25th January 2023, Dominican Primary School, Convent Road Dun Laoghaire (drop in at a time that suits you between 5 PM-8 PM to view information displays, provide feedback, and meet the project team) CLOSED