Popular Dublin Street along canal could be pedestrianised this summer

A traffic ban on a popular street along the Portobello stretch of the Grand Canal may be implemented by Dublin City Council.

There was disquiet when a significant portion of the Portobello Harbour, or the Portobello Plaza as it is also called, was taken up by the construction of a hotel.

The construction outraged many in the area who said there is already a shortage of public spaces – which were in high demand during the draconian Covid-19 restrictions.

Read more: Residents outraged after Portobello Plaza is ‘completely blocked off’ as part of works for new hotel

Now, DCC is considering a week-long trial pedestrianisation of Richmond Row – which stretches from the Atlas Language School, where Richmond Street meets the canal, down past the Lower Deck pub and on to Lennox Street.

The traffic ban trial could be extended for the duration of this summer, if it is deemed a success.

The pedestrianisation would be encompassed in a new larger public plaza when the construction of the hotel is completed if the trial is successful.

However, the trial seems to have already run into trouble with “certain issues” coming to light.

In response to a query from Councillor Mannix Flynn, a DCC official said: “Dublin City Council was considering a week-long trial to pedestrianise part of Richmond Row at Portobello Harbour.

“However, we need to examine certain issues which have come to light before deciding if we are in a position to proceed. Local residents will be notified ahead of any trial commencing.

“If we proceed with the trial and the trial is deemed successful we will look to extend it for the duration of summer 2022. The purpose of the trial is two-fold.

“To extend the area of usable pedestrian public space at the square in the short term and to potentially increase the area of quality public open space at the square when the area is redesigned. Currently, Dublin City Parks Department is undertaking to prepare a scheme to redesign the square and the public consultation around the future design is due to commence in June 2022.”

Read more: Portobello Plaza will be shut for at least two more years

Read more: Dubliners urged to fight back to save much-loved cobblestones on Castle Market

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