A contentious proposal to limit vehicular access and fashion more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly areas in Dún Laoghaire town centre has gained the endorsement of local councillors. The lengthy discussion closed in the wee hours of Tuesday and resulted in the councillors giving the green light to the ‘Living Streets’ initiative. It was agreed the initiative should be accompanied by an independent evaluation of traffic flow, economic and environmental impact, among other factors.
The councillors also resolved that the programme’s application, encompassing vehicular restrictions and pedestrian zones, should be supervised by the council’s Dún Laoghaire Area Committee. The plan amassed a substantial 30 votes to seven in favour.
The strategy proposed “modal filters” on Tivoli Road, Cross Avenue, and Clarinda Park West to curb vehicular traffic. Sections of George’s Street Lower, Sussex Street, and Convent Road are also to be made pedestrian-only.
The council maintains that the initiative will facilitate a safer environment for pedestrians through traffic reduction and enhancements such as footpath widening, better cyclist amenities, tree planting, and additional seating zones.
However, the strategies have triggered division among local businesses and residents alike. During the meeting, the focus of discussion rotated around the economic effect of the ‘Living Streets’ initiative on local businesses, universal access, and the displacement of traffic to other roads, including the proposition of a “modal filter” on Tivoli Road to restrain vehicular traffic.
Independent proposals to exclude the Tivoli Road modal filter, proposed separately by councillors Mary Fayne (FG) and Justin Moylan (FF) were both overruled with 24 votes against 14.
Councillor Maurice Dockrell (FG) inquired whether an economic analysis of the impact on local businesses had been conducted by a skilled professional like an economist. He was informed that no such expert had been appointed.
On the topic of universal access, particularly to the HSE premises on Tivoli Road and St Michael’s Hospital in the town centre, Mr. Moylan sought clarification whether a disability impact assessment had been conducted. In response, officials assured him that the project team had engaged in “discussions with local disability groups” and included specially designated team members to address disability-related queries.
Michael Clark (FF) has highlighted that the proposed pedestrianisation of George’s St is yet to receive the rigorous examination that it merits. He alluded to previous attempts of pedestrianisation which councillors ultimately revoked after proving unsuccessful. He likewise asserted that Tivoli Road is no covert shortcut for cunning motorists, but rather it serves as a well-established conduit linking Blackrock, Deansgrange and Monkstown with Glasthule and Dalkey.
When it came to analysing the scheme, Cllr Dave Quinn (SD) victoriously advocated for an “individual evaluation of traffic flow, economic, environmental, and alternative standards” to ensue two years post-implementation.
Council officials underscored the importance of the modal filter on Tivoli Road in the wider scheme, noting that the path itself isn’t wide enough to accommodate different options such as a bi-directional one-way cycleway.
Cllr Melisa Halpin drew upon the fact that whilst the majority of St Michael’s Hospital’s patients are able-bodied, there remain a crucial minority who are not. To cater to this segment, she suggested a shuttle bus service within the town, specifically aimed at supporting healthcare facility users.
Cllr Jim Gildea has been informed that the grand budget totals €20 million, with nearly half of this, €9.8 million, earmarked for construction expenses, with the remaining amount apportioned for staffing and unforeseen costs.
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