Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
196. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department will install pedestrian crossings, zebra or otherwise in the Phoenix Park, specifically at various points along Chesterfield Avenue, allowing for the safe passage of people north to south and vice-versa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39695/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works had developed plans for the installation of a number of pedestrian crossings on Chesterfield Avenue, a number of years ago, but these were not achieved at planning stage with an Bord Pleanala.
In 2021, the Office of Public Works, in collaboration with Dublin City Council (DCC), Fingal County Council and the National Transport Authority (NTA) published the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study which focused on a number of transport and mobility issues, including pedestrian movement within the Park.
The NTA and DCC together with the OPW are developing plans for Chesterfield Avenue which prioritises pedestrian and cyclists with dedicated paths and crossing points. The primary objective of the project is to provide permanent infrastructure enhancements to improve pedestrian and cycle movement along this route. This project will be delivered subject to planning permission being granted and availability of funding.
The Phoenix Park is a historic landscape of international importance and one of the largest designed landscapes in any European City. A heritage-sensitive design for the pedestrian and cycle infrastructure and crossing points along Chesterfield Avenue will be very important and the OPW is currently working closely with the NTA and DCC on the design proposals for this scheme.
