OPW announces public consultation as part of Phoenix Park Parking Strategy

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A public consultation process seeking the views of people on the future of parking in the Phoenix Park is now open until Tuesday, 6th June.

The Draft Parking Strategy Survey can be found at Public Consultation Survey.

Members of the public are invited to review a draft Strategy that provides a comprehensive vision for parking management in the Phoenix Park.

More than 5,000 submissions were received from the public and key stakeholders in the first phase of consultation. Opinions, comments and ideas raised through this engagement process are reflected in the Draft Parking Strategy.

Announcing the launch of the public consultation, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Patrick O’Donovan, said:

In line with government policy to reduce transport-related carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030, the Strategy centres on sustainability, active travel, reduced emissions and accessibility for all.

It complements and aligns with existing plans and policies that are in place across Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council and the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Of particular note, over 60 percent of respondents said they could be persuaded to drive less or use another mode of travel to access the Phoenix Park. The Draft Parking Strategy considers both cycle and vehicular parking in the Phoenix Park, as well as potential impacts on the immediate surrounding area.

It also addresses the needs and parking requirements of those with mobility issues. Five percent of parking provision will be suitable for those with disabilities and a further five percent will be designated for the active aged.

However, the Draft Parking Strategy also recognises that, to make the Park inclusive for all visitors, some visitors will need parking provision.

Overall, the draft Strategy proposes to improve access for those with mobility challenges through maintaining the current car parking availability.

This non-statutory public consultation period seeks the views of the public on the Draft Parking Strategy. The public consultation period will run from 17 April to 6 June 2023. The Draft Parking Strategy can be found at Public Consultation Survey.

For further information, please go to the Phoenix Park website or contact the OPW Press Office at pressoffice@opw.ie if you have further queries or would like to request an interview with a spokesperson.

For further information, please contact pressoffice@opw.ie

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About the Phoenix Park

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.

Main attractions are the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Complex (2 million visitors in 2022) and Dublin Zoo (1.2 million visitors in 2022).

About the Draft Parking Strategy

The Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study Post Consultation Report , 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. The report can be accessed at: Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study - Post Consultation Report July 2021.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) appointed Transport Consultants SYSTRA in 2022 to develop the Phoenix Park Parking Strategy.

The Draft Parking Strategy considers options for Cycling, Public Transport & Alternative Modes, Car Parking Supply, and Accessibility. It also addresses the topics of Legislation, Pricing/Tariffs/ Operations, Enforcement, Wayfinding and Marketing/Communications.

The strategy covers a ten-year period with options identified for the short, medium and long term.

24 recommendations have been identified.

Five percent of parking provision will be suitable for those with disabilities and over coming years a further five percent will be designated for the active aged.

A range of Cycle Parking provision has been prioritised at key locations.

Currently there are over 2,200 car parking spaces within the Phoenix Park and Farmleigh.

A new 40-space carpark is proposed close to Castleknock Gate, which will prioritise parking for those with mobility issues.

Upgrade to Knockmaroon Car park proposed. This is to improve the surface to make it more accessible to people with mobility issues.

Continued use of the temporary summer parking adjacent to the Lord’s Walk is included in the recommendations along with a proposed upgrade to the Lord’s Walk Car park itself.

The Parking Strategy has been developed to align with the objectives of the NTA and wider government policy.

The options appraisal used the Common Appraisal Framework (CAF) for all transport related projects published by the Department of Transport. The options were further appraised against the movement principles and sustainability objectives to ensure they were appropriate for a parkland setting. A second appraisal was undertaken from a finance, cost and delivery perspective.