Minister O’Donovan announces the introduction of new speed limit of 30km/h in the Phoenix Park along with additional traffic measures

Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Patrick O’Donovan T.D., today announced the introduction of the new 30km/h speed limit in the Phoenix Park, which will commence on Monday, the 28th of February 2022 . This change is in line with the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Report, published in January 2021 and finalised following public consultation in July last year.

Two additional recommendations contained in the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Report will also be implemented starting on the 28th of February resulting in the following traffic changes for the duration of a 9-month pilot study:

• implementation of a cul-de-sac on the Upper Glen Road and

• implementation of a one-way system on the North Road.

These measures will not impact access to institutions in close proximity to the two routes.

Welcoming the changes, Minister O’Donovan said:

“Following an extensive public consultation process, the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study Post-Consultation Report was published last year with a number of key recommendations, which I am delighted to see being implemented. The reduction of the speed limit from 50km/h to 30km/h should see a marked difference in driver behaviour, making the Park a safer place for all of us using it for recreational purposes. The effect of the two pilot projects on the North Road and Upper Glen Road will be closely monitored by the OPW and we welcome any observations the public have in their regard.”

He added:

“Cyclists will be pleased to hear that traffic lane separators for the entire length of Chesterfield Avenue will be installed this month and over 8km of cones currently in use removed. These new durable and strong dividers will ensure a safer experience for both cyclists and vehicles using Chesterfield Avenue, while my team works with the National Transport Authority and Dublin City Council on the design of the new permanent cycle lanes linking Castleknock to the city. The OPW has also installed over 40 new bike stands throughout the Park, with an additional 70 planned in the coming months.”

Blanchardstown Chief Superintendent Finbarr Murphy said:

“The implementation of the 30kph speed limit throughout the Phoenix Park is welcomed to make it a safer environment for pedestrians and wildlife alike. The travel lane separators on Chesterfield Avenue will separate pedal cycles from motor vehicles, creating a safer commute for both. An additional aim of the lane separators is also to prevent traffic accidents and congestion.”

A further recommendation from the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Report that is advancing at present is the Phoenix Park Parking Strategy. The OPW is looking to engage consultants to develop a strategy that will consider visitor parking, including bike parking. The Parking Strategy will help address parking issues and visitor requirements, especially visitors with mobility issues, to ensure all visitors can access and enjoy the Phoenix Park. Traffic data collection points have also been installed throughout the Phoenix Park and will record vehicular and cycle data over the coming months.

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact pressoffice@opw.ie

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Notes to Editors

• The North Road will be temporarily closed from the 23rd of February to facilitate enabling works, including the installation of bollards, new road markings, signage etc. It will reopen on the 28th of February as a one-way system, in the City direction only.

• Enabling works will commence on the Upper Glen Road from the 21st of February to facilitate the installation of bollards, signage and line marking in advance of the pilot cul-de-sac commencing on the 28th of February 2022.

• The Phoenix Park is located at the western edge of Dublin City Centre, just north of the River Liffey. The parkland extends to over 700ha and is enclosed by 11km of perimeter wall. It is a historic, natural and cultural landscape of significant international importance. At the same time, it is a diverse recreational space enjoyed by millions of visitors.

• The Phoenix Park has in excess of 25km of roads, 17km of cycle lanes and 27km of footpaths.

• The Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study Post Consultation Report, which was published in July 2021, sets out a series of recommendations for how park visitors will access, experience and move within the Phoenix Park while protecting the public and park environment. It makes a number of recommendations to reduce commuter traffic and speed, to increase the cycling and pedestrian opportunities and to provide for limited public transport. It also takes into account the complex issues the Park presents given the multiple and competing users of the space.