Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2017
186. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to close the main road through the Phoenix Park as has occurred in previous years during the summer period; the rationale behind the closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32382/17]
View answerThe Commissioners of Public Works has operated a part road-closure of Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park from Friday, 28 April 2017 and this will continue until Sunday, 24 September 2017. Closure runs from 8pm Friday evening to 8pm Sunday evening on each weekend during the summer period. The measure was introduced in 2012 in furtherance of the objectives of the Phoenix Park Conservation Management Plan 2011. The rationale behind this policy is to facilitate the open access of Chesterfield Avenue at weekends to pedestrians, cyclists, runners, walkers and families. Public feedback suggests that the majority of those using the Park favour the closure, citing it as positive for encouraging families to use the Park without the obvious risks to life and limb that come with vehicular traffic.
