Blackrock village to see footpaths, cycle routes and public seating upgraded
Roads, traffic systems and public seating will be upgraded in Blackrock village as part of a new project.
The Living Streets Blackrock Scheme will build on temporary measures introduced during Covid-19 – including a one-way traffic system, wider footpaths and seating.
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLR) said the scheme will transition public services in the village from a “temporary layout to a more permanent design”.
Construction for the scheme will begin next month after DLR and the National Transport Authority signed a contract with Clonmel Enterprises.
“This scheme delivers significant public realm upgrades for Blackrock including planting, play areas, and sustainable drainage system,” local councillor Jim Gildea said.
“This will see an extension of the active travel infrastructure in the area, offering safer transport options for residents and visitors to Blackrock.”
DLR introduced Living Streets as a public realm improvement project in 2020 to make the village more connected and to add to its “liveability”. Public consultations were held in 2023.
After evaluations and consultation with local business and resident groups, some of the improvements will be made permanent, including public amenities like landscaping, planting and seating.
The scheme will also make it easier to cycle and walk into Blackrock village, with extended pedestrian and cycling infrastructure – the new routes will improve connectivity to Blackrock main street and the seafront.
When the temporary measures were introduced in 2020, it was in response to proposals from local groups asking for improvements in planting and seating features, loading bays, bike racks, car parking spaces and traffic flow.
“We hope this scheme will provide a roadmap for other schemes,” said Frank Curran, Chief Executive of DLR.
“This project is a great example of where trialling ideas, assessing the impact and then building towards a permanent project benefits all.”