Charlemont Avenue Proposed One Way System

Overview

Charlemont Avenue, Dun Laoghaire – Proposed one-way traffic system

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Traffic Section, propose to progress to Public Consultation, in accordance with Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, for the introduction of a one-way traffic system along Charlemont Avenue, Dun Laoghaire.

Rationale for the Proposal:-

Following submissions from members of the public in relation to the current traffic management arrangements on Charlemont Avenue a preliminary design has been developed by DLRCC Traffic Section for the conversion of Charlemont Avenue to a one-way system.

The key issues as outlined in the submissions are:

• The road is too narrow for two way traffic, and at its narrowest it is narrower than the two parallel roads: Crofton Avenue, and Kelly's Avenue.
• The upper end of the road is configured with a “blind corner”.
• Residents have reported that the reason for the road being two way initially was to give access to the Accident and Emergency department of St Michael's Hospital. This reason is now no longer valid since the Accident & Emergency access is now exclusively from George's Street.
• Residents have reported that some road users already mistakenly presume the road is already one way, leading to unnecessary confrontations.

Assessment of the Issue:-

The Traffic Section have undertaken a series of site visits and surveys at Charlemont Avenue and can confirm that the road is 4m wide at its narrowest and is narrower than the parallel one way streets (Kelly’s Avenue and Crofton Road). Also the Traffic Section can confirm that the Accident & Emergency access to St. Michaels Hospital is exclusively off Georges Street to the front of the hospital. The access at the rear of the hospital is used by outpatients and for deliveries.

Recommendation:-

Following assessment, DLR Traffic Section is of the opinion that the introduction of a one-way system along Charlemont Avenue would provide improved safety for local residents. It is therefore proposed to proceed with Public Consultation under Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 on this recommendation.

Next Steps:-

It is proposed to put this proposal (the ‘Charlemont Avenue – one-way proposal’) on Public Display in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown offices at Harbour Square, Crofton Road Dun Laoghaire for a three week period. The proposal will also be available for viewing on the Councils website, (dlr Consultation hub).

A report on any submissions received will be brought back to a later Dun Laoghaire Area Committee meeting.