OPW U-Turn on Phoenix Park Traffic Management Proposal is Welcome

18 January 2007

by Cllr Joe Costello

Today was a good day for local democracy. I was very pleased with the announcement by the OPW to shelve the one way traffic system at the Cabra and Ashtown Gates.

I have consistently opposed the proposal by the OPW to introduce a one way traffic system at the Ashtown and Cabra Gates of the Phoenix Park. I was particularly concerned that this was being forced on residents without public consultation.

In December 2006, and with great difficulty I persuaded the OPW to hold a public meeting with local residents. At that meeting residents were unanimous in their opposition to the proposals. I have since lobbied the OPW to impress upon them the seriousness of the situation if they went ahead with the proposal in the face of such opposition. My colleagues, Cllr Brendan Carr and Cllr Emer Costello, have also opposed these proposals at Dublin City Council.

I am pleased that the OPW have now agreed to shelve the aspects of their proposals which would have adverse effects on the residents of Blackhorse Avenue and the Navan Road area. As a result there will be no changes to traffic movement at the Ashtown or Cabra Gates.

I have now asked the Area Manager, and he has agreed, to examine the feasibility of having a roundabout or traffic lights installed at the Ashtown Gate for traffic flow and safety reasons.

The OPW have given assurances that there will be no changes in the traffic flow at the Cabra and Ashtown Gates unless and until there is agreement with the residents. There are no proposals to make any changes in 2007 and any proposals in the future will be subject to a full public consultation.

I intend to ensure that the OPW adhere to these undertakings.

As usual I would welcome your comments on this devlopment.