Cycling and walking in Dublin - how is it for you?

DCC Planning Secretariat

In order to make the city centre more attractive for pedestrians and cyclists, the City Council has introduced major initiatives such as the construction of the Liffey boardwalk, the widening of footpaths (e.g. O’Connell Street), the 5-Axle ban, a decrease in speed limits and the dublinbikes scheme.

What other initiatives / changes would you like to see happen in the city that would further improve the pedestrian and cyclist experience?

Chapter 5 of the Development Plan is called “Connecting & Sustaining the City's Infrastructure.” It outlines the approach and proposed actions the city will take regarding transport and services infrastructure over the next six years. You can read a short summary of the chapter or download the original here.

If you'd like to make a written submission to the Council on the subject, you can do so using the online submission form here.

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Dublin City Council's 'Draft Development Plan, 2011-2017' is currently open for public consultation. The plan explains City Council strategy on everything from allotments and accommodation for artists to new economic corridors, new neighbourhoods, green spaces and low rise buildings.

We’re encouraging Dubliners to look at the Draft Plan, discuss any issues on these boards and make a comment directly to Dublin City Council via the online submission form.

You can find out more at www.dublincitydevelopmentplan.ie, where there are videos, text summaries and an interactive map of Dublin in 2017. All feedback will be reviewed before the plan is adopted by the City Council at the end of the year.

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Rb

The decrease in speed limits is retarded but I'm sure you're well aware of it yourself.

Improve the pedestrian experience? How about getting some more Gardaí onto the streets to give some air of safety when walking around the scumbag riddled areas near the quays? Someone had their face cut open there just the other day, how attractive.

How about clearing the homeless, drunks and drugged out people off the boardwalks before going and constructing more? What is being done about the open drug dealing on Bachelors walk? What about the people just "hanging around" on O'Connell Street and it's off streets? There's very little Garda presence felt on the streets of Dublin and the level of crime is increasing, particularly violent crime, and you're here asking if we should widen the footpaths? For what? MORE scumbags to fit into the one area?

There's nothing wrong with the "pedestrian experience" in terms of footpaths and cyclelanes, it's the people in the city centre that make it a misery to walk around. Clean that up first and then you can worry about decreasing the f*cking speed limits. A "no loitering" policy combined with more Gardai on patrol would be a start, and Gardai who'd actually take such a policy seriously.

discus

As a pedestrian:

I find the pedestrian lights at junctions quite frustrating; frequently there are occasions where traffic is stopped by a red light, yet the pedestrian light is red also. Obviously the traffic will be stopped as there will be other traffic progressing at the junction, but surely the pedestrian light should be green for every chance possible. A bad explanation I know, but hopefully some can make sense of it.


As a cyclist:

The cycle lanes are very frustrating. Non-continous, sometimes going onto paths, and generally half filled with debris. The routes I take force me to stay on the outside edge of the lane for the sake of my tyres, which frustrates drivers (particularly busmen) who cant get past me.


Dublin Bike Scheme:

Great scheme. Obviously not perfect at peak times, but I'd love to see it extended with more stands and bikes. Maybe at some of the DIT locations, and more along the main thoroughfares?

not even wrong

As a cyclist:

• Fix the potholes, Gardiner Street and City Quay in particular are very bad with manhole covers/gratings often sunken several inches into the road because of trucks going over them.
• More parking enforcement, vans and taxis blocking bike lanes while they make deliveries are a pain

Mountjoy Mugger

Cyclists on the pavement is something that should be clamped down on.

jelly&icecream

Enforcement of the existing policies like the 5 axle ban and the bus gate would be good. These are excellent policies but they are still being flouted. I don't see why an automatic camera based system couldn't be introduced to enforce the busgate.

I think the 30km speed limit on the quays is for the most part beneficial especially for Eden Quay and the south quays around Temple bar. Its maybe unnecessary between Capel st and Church st. Again this needs to be enforced! Maybe a few highly visible speed cameras with warning signs well in advance would do the job?

The footpaths on large parts of Dame St and Nassau St are too narrow to cope with the volume of pedestrians and the number of bus stops on them. It forces people onto the road which isn't good for anyone! I know you have limited space to play with here but maybe something could be done.

seamus

Rb: Garda enforcement is a matter for the Gardai. There's very little DCC can do about it except moan to the Gardai.

As a pedestrian
Widen the footpaths, everywhere. I'm not talking about O'Connell Street width, but at least wide enough that two people can walk side-by-side and a third can overtake them. Think of South William Street - barely enough room to walk.

If there's no room to widen the footpaths, such as at South William Street, then either convert it to shared space, or pedestrianise it and ban vehicles from it.

As a cyclist

Remove as many manhole and access covers as you can. Where the manhole cover is absolutely necessary, ensure that it's flush with the road and has a tarmac or other non-slip covering. They absolutely lethal for cyclists, especially in the rain.

Also insist that any company who carries out roadworks *must* re-lay the tarmac across the entire road and not just the little patch they dug up. It's the patchwork crap that makes the roads bumpy and potholed for all road users.

DubMedic

Having been almost creamed by a cyclist last week, I suggest that better road markings be put down so that cyclists & motorists alike are better aware of what's coming up.

I'm talking reflective arrows or some such on the road when approaching traffic lights.


.

MementoMori

Mountjoy Mugger wrote: »

Cyclists on the pavement is something that should be clamped down on.

Would agree with this - The Gardai seem to have no interest in enforcing the law with regard to cyclists. Personal bugbear and quite annoying to see.
Perhaps add more notices at the Dublin Bike Scheme locations, telling people not to cycle on the footpaths.

jelly&icecream wrote: »

The footpaths on large parts of Dame St and Nassau St are too narrow to cope with the volume of pedestrians and the number of bus stops on them. It forces people onto the road which isn't good for anyone! I know you have limited space to play with here but maybe something could be done.

The footpath on the north-side of the street at the corner of George's Street and Dame Street is very narrow. Combined with the fact that people stop here at the pedestrian crossing, it consistently forces people onto the street, which is dangerous. It might be an idea to adjust this.

Rb

seamus wrote: »

Rb: Garda enforcement is a matter for the Gardai. There's very little DCC can do about it except moan to the Gardai.

Indeed

RandolphEsq

I'm a cyclist and I always cycle with lights at night, but unfortunately not enough cyclists do. There needs to be a drive to get cyclists using lights when cycling at night. It is so dangerous otherwise

delta_bravo

I dont think they really care or take into account what you post here. You are suppposed to make an official submission as stated in the op

Rb

delta_bravo wrote: »

I dont think they really care or take into account what you post here. You are suppposed to make an official submission as stated in the op

Indeed, they come and post questions pretending they're opening a discussion and then never bother to respond.

Previously anyone doing this on Boards would have been given the boot, but I guess since Boards because money-centralised that such behaviour is now fine.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Rb wrote: »

Indeed, they come and post questions pretending they're opening a discussion and then never bother to respond.

Previously anyone doing this on Boards would have been given the boot, but I guess since Boards because money-centralised that such behaviour is now fine.

Take it to feedback if your not happy, personally I've no opinion either way so not getting into a discussion re. the pro's & con's.

Rb

Joshua Shaggy Spoonful wrote: »

Take it to feedback if your not happy, personally I've no opinion either way so not getting into a discussion re. the pro's & con's.

If you've no opinion then you probably shouldn't bother posting, tbh.

latenia

I was going to post a similiar reply to Rb's. The Council should stop all this bollicking around and deal with the single biggest quality of life issue in the city centre which is the huge number of junkies, beggars, petty criminals, winos, sign-holders, chuggers and feral teenage gangs roaming around and dragging the atmosphere down to that of whatever sh1thole they've got a free Luas in from.

I'm not some crank or crazed right-winger or Joe Duffy calling whinger; I'm a rate paying citizen who deserves a clean and safe civic centre that I can enjoy at all times and be proud of to show visitors. Look at the huge number of threads across the many forums here where 99.5% of people agree with me.

And don't give me that nonsense about this being a matter for the Gardai-the Council have the powers to deal with most of this tomorrow:

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1994/en/act/pub/0008/sec0037.html

The problem is they're largely a bunch of pseudo left-of-centre gravy train jumpers who don't have the bottle to bring in a bye-law barring begging for example. Maybe a rates-strike by city businesses might change their mind?

arybvtcw0eolkf

Rb wrote: »

If you've no opinion then you probably shouldn't bother posting, tbh.

Do not cross swords with me RB.

Rb

Joshua Shaggy Spoonful wrote: »

Do not cross swords with me RB.

LOL.

I hope you'll read back on this some day and cringe like I am now.

JuliusCaesar

Well, I've avoided cycling on the north quays for years ever since I did it once and discovered that whenever the road narrows, the cycle path disappeared, leaving me ear-to-wing mirrors of vans etc. They of course didn't realise why I wasn't keeping to the (non existant) cycle path and so weren't slowing down.

So now I avoid also the Bachelors Walk/turn right over O'Connell Bridge junction; am not happy with Westmorland St/College Green/Dame St. (Although that might have improved with the bus gate....I don't know.

Top of Harcourt St/Adelaide Rd is hairy too if you don't want the first left to Ranelagh, but do want the second left to Rathmines.

Don't any DCC people cycle?

Narrow footpaths on Andrew St get very crowded, and the traffic is heavy there.

I'm in favour of the reduced speed limit. Apparantly I'm not in the very vocal minority.
What are all these people taking their cars into town for? I drive and never bring the car in, unless I'm shifting heavy stuff eg furniture. I work in the city centre and either cycle or get public transport.

IRLConor

Mountjoy Mugger wrote: »

Cyclists on the pavement is something that should be clamped down on.

+1, also on the pedestrian bridges. Cyclists are a curse at busy times on the Millenium Bridge.

gonnaplayrugby

eh no in other european cities its acceptable to cycle on footpath

IRLConor

gonnaplayrugby wrote: »

eh no in other european cities its acceptable to cycle on footpath

Perhaps in other european cities the cyclists are courteous enough to give way to pedestrians. Here, not so much.

Yi Harr

gonnaplayrugby wrote: »

eh no in other european cities its acceptable to cycle on footpath

As a cyclist I think it's an extremely selfish thing to do. It irritates me no end when you see people (often older) speeding down footpaths, especially when there's a cycle lane on the road.

Echoing what a lot of people here are saying I think road markings should be more obvious/better maintained.

More and better constructed/maintained and safer cycle lanes (give cyclists no reason not to use them).

Better seperation of cycle lanes from main roads.

Less vehicular traffic in the heavily pedestrianised areas. Access/goods/psv only??

Lumen

As a cyclist, all I want is a smooth road.

I don't need special speed limits for cars, off-road cycle lanes, or other expensive, controversial or antagonistic measures.

Just fix the potholes, please.

JuliusCaesar

gonnaplayrugby wrote: »

eh no in other european cities its acceptable to cycle on footpath

That's because the cycle lane is on the footpath.

SleepDoc

Things I would like to see.

- A congestion charge for driving into the city centre. Exemptions for the infirm, residents.

- 1 euro levy on car parking spaces per customer, per visit. Money raised to be spent on cycling facilities.

- 30kph speed limit in the city centre? How about 20? Bet it would make no difference to the average journey time.

- Potholes repaired. Manhole covers on the footpath, not on the road.

- Law requiring motorists to give cyclists two metres of clearance when overtaking.

sexpot

Actual cycle lanes would be good, not these half measures that lead you into a pole or bin or back onto a road with oncoming traffic. I'm lucky enough that my route brings me through the Phoenix park but once out of the Phoenix park there's no end to the terrible cycle lanes. Glass, wheels, plastic, rubbish and all matter of objects end up in the cycle lanes that are actually there and they're rarely cleaned.

As in Denmark, I'd like to see priority given to cyclists when in town, this might encourage more people to cycle and more cyclists mean safety in numbers.

Also, if there could be actual enforcement when vans or cars park in cycle lanes.

The Dublin Bikes scheme is excellent though, I'd love to see it brought just a bit more outside the city, to Phibsboro, Manor Street etc...

keenan110

To be honest a good road without pot holes is the the only thing that i'd a
want, as a cyclist.

spurious

Enforce the existing laws properly.
Stop the obsession with aluminium poles - they are everywhere.

Do an audit of all cycle lanes. Fire whatever numpty put them going through bus stops, on busy footpaths, in places where a pole (aluminium!) is in the centre of the cycle lane etc..

Widen footpaths in places such as Nassau Street (particularly in the bus stop strip), South William Street, parts of Dame Street. Get rid of most of the on-street parking - it only encourages cars to be brought in.

Aldito

As a pedestrian:
Cyclists on the pavement.

As a cyclist:
Pedestrians thinking they can just step out in front of you when their light is red, just because you're not a car.

Cycle lanes running into bus stops, so you when a bus overtakes you, you have to lose all your speed and come to a grinding halt until the bus starts moving again, or there's space to overtake on the outside.

Potholes, manholes everywhere.

I have also seen other cyclists wearing full on headphones while cycling, absolute madness.

While I think the Dublin bikes is a great initiative, I think the people using them are the worst offenders for annoying cycling behaviour.

Other cyclists going up a one way road just because there's a cycle lane wrecks my head too.

Oh, and lights should be mandatory for cyclists.

panda100

Rb wrote: »

Improve the pedestrian experience? How about getting some more Gardaí onto the streets to give some air of safety when walking around the scumbag riddled areas near the quays? Someone had their face cut open there just the other day, how attractive.

How about clearing the homeless, drunks and drugged out people off the boardwalks before going and constructing more? What is being done about the open drug dealing on Bachelors walk? What about the people just "hanging around" on O'Connell Street and it's off streets? There's very little Garda presence felt on the streets of Dublin and the level of crime is increasing, particularly violent crime, and you're here asking if we should widen the footpaths? For what? MORE scumbags to fit into the one area?

There's nothing wrong with the "pedestrian experience" in terms of footpaths and cyclelanes, it's the people in the city centre that make it a misery to walk around. Clean that up first and then you can worry about decreasing the f*cking speed limits. A "no loitering" policy combined with more Gardai on patrol would be a start, and Gardai who'd actually take such a policy seriously.

That has to be the most overbearing,pompous posts I have ever read on boards.

How awful for you that you have to see Irelands vast social problems with your own eyes. :rolleyes:
What gives you the right to sneer at those who've been dealt a harder hand in life?

I've been living in the North inner city Dublin for the last two years after three years of living in Donnybrook. You just can't compare the warmth, friendliness and general decentness of the people in this area over any other place I've lived in Ireland. Yes, there is massive social problems with many turning to drugs and drink because they don't have much more to live for. Im sure Rb's attitude accelerates their feelings of uselessness that they are just not wanted in Irish soceity.
Imagine someone wishing you were just swept away like rubbish from the pavement. Unfortuantley,we live in a wholy unequal society, and until we get that sorted then I'm afraid the situation on Dublins streets will just get worse and worse.

Also its our city,If I want to loiter around the streets I damn well will!Nothing beats sitting on a park bench or sitting beside the Liffey on a sunny day. I dont think anyone has the right to move someone off their OWN streets.
I've just come back from a trip to London and the extortinate amount of cops on patrol have turned it into a police state,like something from 1984. It doesnt seem to have much of an effect either because crime and drugs are still extremely rampant.


DCC,Is there anyway you can get rid of self-righteous dimwits like RB who one day will regret his contemptous attitude when he himself is down in his luck.

seamus wrote: »

As a pedestrian
Widen the footpaths, everywhere. I'm not talking about O'Connell Street width, but at least wide enough that two people can walk side-by-side and a third can overtake them. Think of South William Street - barely enough room to walk.

+100

Also, as a cyclist shouldnt it be illegal for cars to park on cycle lanes?Its immpossible to use the cycle lane in Ranelagh as its always packed with parked cars making it pretty dangerous for the cyclist.

arybvtcw0eolkf

panda100 wrote: »

That has to be the most overbearing,pompous posts I have ever read on boards.

How awful for you that you have to see Irelands vast social problems with your own eyes. :rolleyes:
What gives you the right to sneer at those who've been dealt a harder hand in life?

No point in directing any further posts to Rb, he's permanently banned from this forum.

delta_bravo

Rb wrote: »

Indeed, they come and post questions pretending they're opening a discussion and then never bother to respond.

THats not really what I meant. They are inviting you to make a submission to the development plan, it cant be done via boards. You must do it online on the DCC site.

arybvtcw0eolkf

delta_bravo wrote: »

THats not really what I meant. They are inviting you to make a submission to the development plan, it cant be done via boards. You must do it online on the DCC site.

For everyone's attn.

Gavin

DCC Planning Secretariat wrote: »

We’re encouraging Dubliners to look at the Draft Plan, discuss any issues on these boards and make a comment directly to Dublin City Council via the online submission form.

Seems relevant.

BostonB

I'd love to see them get a couple of high profile people to do a useful commute route in Dublin and film the problems they have, especially highlighting the difficult junctions.

City center to Blanchardstown, to Lucan, to Tallaght etc.

Wishbone Ash

Make it a requirement that all DCC staff, especially those in planning department, must walk, cycle or use public transport to get to to work. Close the car park in the Civic Offices on Wood Quay immediately.

I'm in full support of the 30kph limit. 20kph would be even better (for vehicles with an internal combustion engine) except for buses. Any motorists including taxis that aren't happy, stay away from the city centre.

Enforce the running of amber light offence. Amber means STOP!

Do something about that ridiculous cycle lane on the North Wall. Do DCC seriously expect cyclist to continually mount and dismount as it begins and ends.

Pedestrians not giving way to cyclists! Just because no vehicles are coming, it doesn't mean you can walk across in front of a bike!

jelly&icecream wrote: »

Enforcement of the existing policies like the 5 axle ban and the bus gate would be good. These are excellent policies but they are still being flouted

The 5 axle ban isn't being flouted as much as some people think. Many trucks are exempt from it, e.g. those who are delivering within the ban area and those that orginate from within the ban area.

Aldito wrote: »

and lights should be mandatory for cyclists.

They are (during lighting up hours)!

Some posters have referred to cars parked on 'cycle lanes'. There is a difference between a cycle lane and a cycle track. Many of what people refer to as 'cycle lanes' are actually 'cycle tracks' and only in operation during the stated times. Outside of these times vehicles may legally park on them.

JuliusCaesar

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Many of what people refer to as 'cycle lanes' are actually 'cycle tracks' and only in operation during the stated times. Outside of these times vehicles may legally park on them.

Which means that after 7pm a lot of cycle lanes become parking spaces....

Wishbone Ash

JuliusCaesar wrote: »

Which means that after 7pm a lot of cycle lanes become parking spaces....

No - cycle tracks become parking spaces. Cycle lanes are in operation 24 hrs and have a continuous white line seperating them from the road.

I'm not agreeing with it - merely pointing out that it is not illegal.

RandolphEsq

There's too many taxis! Like parasites roaming the city centre streets at night

nomdeboardie

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

No - cycle tracks become parking spaces. Cycle lanes are in operation 24 hrs and have a continuous white line seperating them from the road.

I'm not agreeing with it - merely pointing out that it is not illegal.

Re "lane" vs. "track" - I thought the terminology was the reverse, then looked at the current ROTR booklet, where they seem to use the words interchangably, but adding "mandatory" or "non-mandatory" to refer to the continuous-line or broken-line or versions respectively. Going off on a tangent, and just to confuse things further, it seems that the mandatory version won't be mandatory for cyclists to use soon (cos the powers that be have realised they are actually crap in many places; they'll still be mandatory for motor vecihles to keep out of, though, I naievely presume).

seamus

One problem with "mandatory" cycle lanes is that it is permitted for vehicles to stop or park in the lanes under certain circumstances during the hours that the lane is mandatory for bicycles. Which effectively meant that you are forcing bikes to use the lanes and they are not allowed to overtake vehicles stopped there.

The same issue occurs with hazards and poor lane conditions. The overriding rule of the road is that you should not put yourself or anyone else in danger, but the poor state of most cycle lanes means that it is necessary to remove yourself from the lane in order to minimise the danger to yourself.

nomdeboardie

-or in order to pass slower moving cyclists (with due care), as human-powered traffic necessarily covers a huge range of speeds

bobbysands81

DCC Planning Secretariat wrote: »

In order to make the city centre more attractive for pedestrians and cyclists, the City Council has introduced major initiatives such as the construction of the Liffey boardwalk, the widening of footpaths (e.g. O’Connell Street), the 5-Axle ban, a decrease in speed limits and the dublinbikes scheme.

What other initiatives / changes would you like to see happen in the city that would further improve the pedestrian and cyclist experience?

Chapter 5 of the Development Plan is called “Connecting & Sustaining the City's Infrastructure.” It outlines the approach and proposed actions the city will take regarding transport and services infrastructure over the next six years. You can read a short summary of the chapter or download the original here.

If you'd like to make a written submission to the Council on the subject, you can do so using the online submission form here.

---

Dublin City Council's 'Draft Development Plan, 2011-2017' is currently open for public consultation. The plan explains City Council strategy on everything from allotments and accommodation for artists to new economic corridors, new neighbourhoods, green spaces and low rise buildings.

We’re encouraging Dubliners to look at the Draft Plan, discuss any issues on these boards and make a comment directly to Dublin City Council via the online submission form.

You can find out more at www.dublincitydevelopmentplan.ie, where there are videos, text summaries and an interactive map of Dublin in 2017. All feedback will be reviewed before the plan is adopted by the City Council at the end of the year.

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Turn the Boardwalks into a travelator. Therefore people will get around the city quicker and the hundreds of junkies that hang out there will be automatically moved on by the Travelator! It's a win-win situation.

The Boardwalks are beautiful and a wonderful addition to the City but they badly need cleaning up from all the junkies that hang out on them.

WindSock

2 lanes on footpaths (where wide enough) Inside is for slow moving window shoppers and outside for people in a hurry

Or maybe 3, another for cyclists.

Also, rules for cyclists need more enforcement. They must be visable, especially at night time. And not break lights. I swear to god one of these evenings I am going to pull out in front of one without seeing them. I just got my car cleaned so I think neither of us want that to happen.

As primarily a motorist in the city, I actually think the 30k rule is good. Saying that, I don't drive through much of the enforced areas but I did just subscribe to dublinbikes and I am hoping the limit will make cycling more relaxing.

Oh. Also, is it possible to have the green man go on without pressing the button? So many times I see people standing like dopes when the button hasn't been pressed and the man is red, even though they could easily walk across.

panda100

WindSock wrote: »

2 lanes on footpaths (where wide enough) Inside is for slow moving window shoppers and outside for people in a hurry
.

Oh that would be so good. I always manage to get stuck behind the king of the slow sloths when ever Im in a real hurry,its so annoying!

DCC Planning Secretariat

Thanks to everyone who’s responded (and continues to respond) to this thread. As the authority behind the process, DCC cannot engage in active debate on the plan. However we can offer clarification on some points:

A common theme raised in Public Consultation is the quality of existing cycle routes. The Draft Plan takes a multi-pronged approach to this issue. This includes the development of a cycle linkage system both on and off road, the improvement of existing cycleways and bicycle priority measures throughout the city and the general calming of the city centre to allow pedestrian, cycle and vehicular interaction in a more controlled manner. The recently introduced 30kph speed restriction in parts of the city could be seen as one element of this approach. It has received a mixed reaction since its introduction, with opinion divided between cyclists and motorists. People with longer memories may recall a similar controversy following plans to pedestrianise Dublin’s Grafton Street. It is worthwhile to note that the Draft Plan includes a specific objective promoting the 30kph speed restriction. This may be an area of the Draft Plan you feel strongly about and wish to make your views know to the Council.

The recently introduced ‘dublinbikes’ scheme has been an overwhelming success with usage exceeding even the most optimistic estimates. It is worthwhile to remember the very negative portrayal of the Council’s proposals at the time from some vocal commentators. The scheme at present is sometimes a victim of its own success with demand exceeding capacity at busy times. The Council is aware of this issue and is working hard to overcome the problem. In terms of the Draft Development Plan it is a specific objective (SIO16) to expand the ‘dublinbikes’ scheme to the entire city over the life of the plan and beyond. It would be very helpful to hear more views on where future bike stands could be located.

Several posts have identified problems with crime, anti-social behaviour, enforcement of road regulations, cycling on the footpath, etc. Unfortunately these issues are generally beyond the remit of the Draft Plan although they are noted as very important issues, key to the enjoyment and experience of Dublin City for residents and visitors. Through the Draft Plan, Dublin City Council seeks to influence the design and location of certain types of development to ensure, as far as practical, that safety and security considerations are incorporated in future development proposals. Appendix 19 sets out safety and security guidelines that should be followed in the design stage of any development proposals. A key element of the guidelines is the encouragement of consultation with An Garda Siochana Crime Prevention Office where deemed appropriate.

It is clear from the consultation to date that there are often divergent and sometimes competing views when it comes to the various topic areas in the Draft Plan, for example, the needs of cyclists versus the needs of motorists. The Draft Plan has the difficult task of reconciling these divergent views in a balanced, reasoned and factual way. We encourage submissions from all viewpoints to help gauge if a consensus has been reached or if in fact further refinement is needed. The Development Plan is your plan for Dublin City until 2017 and your input is needed.

While the detailed management of road traffic junctions and traffic light sequencing is a traffic management issue beyond the remit of the Draft Development Plan, the Plan seeks to highlight certain areas where improvements could be made. In particular, it is a specific objective of the Plan (SIO22) to seek to create and support a network of pedestrian infrastructure to promote and facilitate walking. This will involve providing improved levels of priority for pedestrians including safe crossing points at vehicular intersections. Further improvements will be identified in tandem with emerging public transport and vehicular networks. This will include widening of footpaths. It is hoped that such improvements, in addition to facilitating movement, will also provide the space to encourage social interaction in an attractive environment.

Finally, there has been some question of the use of these discussion boards versus written submissions on the Plan. The traditional, standard method of providing feedback to the Council is via a written submission. As part of this consultation programme, for the first time, you can make a written submission online. As always, you can also provide one in person or by post – the details for all types of submission can be found here. The online discussion boards are a useful indication of the level of interest in various issues and challenges facing the city. They help to illuminate what are the real issues for people living and working in the city and also help to generate public debate on issues.

It is important to emphasise that the contents of an on-line discussion or post on the boards does not constitute a statutory submission on the Draft Development Plan. To ensure that your issue is taken into consideration as part of the legal process of development plan-making, it is necessary to make a written submission. The details and contents of each submission will then be summarised and considered by the City Council.

We’ll continue to post topics of relevance to the Plan and of interest to Dubliners throughout the public consultation period. All comments – whether here or via written submissions – are welcome and appreciated.

Regards,
Development Plan Team

DCC Planning Secretariat

The closing date for receipt of submissions on the Draft Development Plan was last Friday, March 12th. We’d like to thank everyone who got involved in the discussion and especially those who posted replies or made submissions about the plan.

The next step is the preparation of a report on the submissions/observations received. This will be submitted to members of the City Council who will consider it until mid-August 2010. Any material amendments agreed to the Draft Plan will then be put on public display for four weeks. It is envisaged that this display will take place during September.

We’ll post notification of the dates closer to the time. In the meantime, keep an eye on www.dublincitydevelopmentplan.ie and www.dublincity.ie for updates on what’s happening.

Regards,
The Development Plan Team

Micilin Muc

DCC, was it proposed that any of the pedestrian crossings in the city centre be widened?


The pedestrian crossings in Patrick Street in Cork are a good example of good, wide crossings that don't block up the pavement and make the pedestrian experience a lot more enjoyable. The junction of Dame Street and George's Street could do with wider crossings, I believe they were designed for one person crossing the street at one time!