Traffic going through the Phoenix Park could be significantly reduced in the coming years as plans are afoot to make it more accessible to the public and to protect its biodiversity.
A new report looks at plans for the medium to long term future of the park, and how to make it more accessible for the public.
According to the report, the preferred option is to reposition the Phoenix Park as an important natural resource for the citizens of Dublin and further afield while seeking to reduce through traffic over the medium to long term.
Two of the most-preferred options would either see cul-de-sacs established at points in the park to end through traffic on side roads (while allowing it on Chesterfield Avenue) or dividing the park into "pods" with no through-traffic permitted.
The public consultation will commence on January 29. The consultation will remain open for public input for six weeks, until 12 March.
Dublin City Green Party Councillor for the South West Inner City Michael Pidgeon said: "This could be the most transformational project for the Phoenix Park in nearly a century. The OPW shouldn't shy away from embracing the most ambitious proposals.
"Reducing car dominance would not only be good for nature in the park, but help make it the calm, quiet place it should always have been. A lot of this is stuff we should have done years ago.
"When the park's side gates closed last summer, we got a glimpse of how fantastic the park could be with fewer cars. This study builds on that and resolves some of the teething problems we had from the gate closure."
Minister of State, Mr. Patrick O’Donovan said at the launch: “The COVID-19 pandemic has brought home to many the benefits to be enjoyed in a space like this, which is very precious and especially valuable in a large urban centre such as Dublin city. Our aim with this report is to set out for the public the transport and mobility issues arising in the Park and present considered solutions.
"The public now has some time to consider and review the recommendations in advance of the Public Consultation process starting on January 29th. A lot of work has gone into preparing this report and we hope those who use the Park will take the time to read it and contribute during the public consultation period.”
