Blackrock village’s €6m ‘living streets’ project set to be substantially complete early next year
Blackrock village’s ‘living streets’ project is set to be “substantially complete” in the first quarter of next year, according to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLR).
The multi-million-euro scheme improves the walkability and cycling infrastructure in the town, along with expanding footpaths and creating a ‘pocket park’ on the main street.
The full extent of works include increased public seating, more bicycle parking and the loss of a limited number of car parking spaces.
“The Blackrock Living Streets project is currently under construction and is progressing well,” said a DLR spokesperson. “Anticipated substantial completion will be in Q1 2027.”
An up-to-date cost estimate for the scheme is not available, but in 2023 it was projected to come in at around €6.3m, excluding VAT.
The spokesperson said €3.5m was provided by the National Transport Authority towards the project, with the remainder coming from council funds.
They said new costings were not available due to commercial sensitivity, but that the project remains “within budget”.
Works performed so far include the bus stop on Main Street being demolished, rebuilt several metres away and moved again slightly when the path was expanded.
DLR did not answer queries on how much this bus stop manoeuvring cost, but said a new shelter was constructed with funding provided “as part of the original project scope.”
“The road kerb line was subsequently adjusted to accommodate a wider, more accessible footpath and the creation of a small landscaped parklet. As a result, the existing bus stop was relocated,” they said.
Living Streets for Blackrock aims to build on the temporary Covid-19 works to the street, such as a one-way traffic system and wider footpaths.
A new contra-flow bike lane is also set for construction outside the library, providing for better connectivity to the popular Coastal Mobility Route.
DLR said the scheme will transition public services in the village from a “temporary layout to a more permanent design”.
The project, which began construction in October last year, went out to public consultation in 2023, and 91pc of submissions were in favour of the changes.
Contracts for construction were signed last September with Clonmel Enterprises.
Chief executive of DLR, Frank Curran, said at the time that the project was “a great example of where trialling ideas, assessing the impact and then building towards a permanent project benefits all.
“We hope that this scheme will provide a roadmap for other schemes,” he said.
Councillor Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of DLR, said it would “deliver significant public realm upgrades for Blackrock including planting, play areas, and sustainable drainage system.
“This extension of the active travel infrastructure expands our active travel network in the area, offering safer, greener transport options for residents and visitors to Blackrock.”
A similar ‘Living Streets’ project on a larger scale is also being carried out in Dún Laoghaire town, with 2023 budget estimates pegging that project around €17.5m in value, excluding VAT.