Where stands plan for Phoenix Park & environs traffic management plan?

After receiving many queries from residents in Stoneybatter and across Dublin 7 in recent weeks, I secured the opportunity to question the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan T.D. about the steps being taken to prepare the traffic management plan in the Phoenix Park.

Furthermore, I sought clarity as to when it is expected that the public consultation process will be undertaken considering the situation currently being experienced by users of the Phoenix Park.

Minister O’Donovan responded to my questions advising that he had requested the Office of Public Works to work with other key stakeholders, including the National Transport Authority, Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council to examine the issues relating to access in the Phoenix Park. A Steering Group has been established at CEO level, to oversee the process of developing new transport and mobility options for the Park. By engaging with these organisations, the Minister hopes to ensure that future plans for access and mobility to and within the Park are integrated with the wider traffic and transport plans for Dublin City and surrounding areas. I should say that this is an approach that I welcome. I am firmly of the view that a traffic management plan must incorporate all areas and neighbourhoods surrounding the Park.

From the information provided to me, I believe Minister O’Donovan has asked the Steering Group to revert to him with a report including proposed options by the end of this month (November). The next step will be to bring this forward to public consultation early in 2021 and he hopes to publish the final plans for implementation of the preferred options soon thereafter.

The Minister also advised me that with “regard to Level 5 COVID-19 restrictions as recently published by the Government, parks continue to remain open with protective measures in place. While the Phoenix Park is experiencing high levels of demand and large volumes of visitors, it should be noted that there are 1,350 dedicated car parking spaces within the Park and a further 650 spaces at Farmleigh. Staff with responsibility for patrolling the Park closely monitor traffic in the Park and have installed temporary parking control measures at key locations over busy weekends. OPW encourages all visitors to the Park to comply with the 5Km travel restrictions, to use sustainable modes of transport where possible and, if they must arrive by car, that they park responsibly.”

I hope this information is of assistance to you. However, if you have any questions or queries arising from the update provided by Minister O’Donovan regarding a traffic management plan for the Phoenix Park and surrounding neighbourhoods, email me at RayMcAdam@gmail.com and I will endeavour to answer your enquiries as quickly as is possible.