OPW dilutes one-way plans for Phoenix Park

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has substantially diluted its plans to introduce a one-way system throughout the Phoenix Park following a dispute with Dublin City Council over the traffic changes.

The OPW had intended to introduce a one-way system of entrances and exits throughout the park to reduce traffic volumes, particularly commuter traffic using the park to access the city.

About 10 million cars pass through the park each year, causing significant environmental damage and numerous accidents involving cyclists, pedestrians and deer.

Radical plans, produced by the OPW last October, involved making all gates, with the exception of the Castleknock gate, the North Circular Road gate and the main park gate, either entrances or exits only.

The OPW's plans were opposed by city councillors, who said cars no longer able to use the park would be pushed out on to already congested suburban roads, particularly the Navan Road and Blackhorse Avenue in Cabra.

The city council wrote to the OPW last November stating its opposition to the plan, which, it said, would "potentially force an additional 10 million cars on to the residential roads surrounding the Phoenix Park".

In its reply the OPW criticised the council for provoking "unwarranted fears" in relation to the increase in traffic on suburban roads, which were "totally without foundation" and should be withdrawn.

However, the OPW has now revised its position and has significantly scaled back its plans. Officials at the OPW told the council yesterday that no changes would be made to the Knockmaroon gate, the Cabra gate or the Ashtown gate. The only gates that would be made one-way would be the Chapelizod gate, which would become entrance-only, and the Islandbridge gate, which will be exit-only.

The OPW also intends to allow a Dublin Bus service to access the park for the first time. The new express bus would run from Blanchardstown through the Castleknock gate, down Chesterfield Avenue, exiting at Parkgate Street and continuing along the quays to the city centre. Consultations are under way with Dublin Bus in relation to the service. However, it is envisaged that it would begin to run at peak times only from Easter.

A shuttle bus starting at Heuston Station and running in a circular route around the park is proposed for this summer.

The OPW intends to go ahead with plans to close Military Road to through traffic.