The side gates of Phoenix Park will close to vehicles for the remaining duration of the Level 5 lockdown despite earlier assurances that they would remain open throughout.
The gates at Ashtown, Cabra, North Circular Road, Islandbridge, Chapelizod and Knockmaroon will be shut off to drivers for the next five weekends following a request from Gardai.
The Office of Public works say gates will shut as normal on Friday night at 11pm but will not reopen until 7am on Monday, following this pattern for the next five weekends until the restrictions lift on December 1.
Pedestrians and cyclists will continue to have access while cars can enter through the Castleknock and Parkgate Street Entrances still.
A spokesman for OPW said: "The following is a request from An Garda Síochána - the perimeter side gates of the Phoenix Park will close to vehicular traffic for the next five weekends.
"In effect, the gates will close as normal at 11pm on Fridays and reopen at 7am on the Mondays for the duration of the Covid-19 Level 5 restrictions.
"The decision is made in the interest of public safety for users of the Phoenix Park and will be monitored by An Garda Síochána and the OPW.
"Pedestrian and cycle access will be maintained at all gates. Access for vehicular traffic will be maintained through Castleknock and Parkgate Street Entrances over each of the weekends."
He added: "The Office of Public Works encourages all visitors to the Phoenix Park to comply with the 5 kilometre travel restrictions, to choose sustainable transport to the Park, to park responsibly and to respect fellow users of the Park by maintaining social distancing."
