I recently put a question into the city council, asking for a list and updates on all the planned greening and public realm upgrade projects for the South West Inner City.
Below is the list, with some info, on what’s planned. Some really exciting stuff coming down the pipeline. I’ve added in links for more info where I can.
This doesn’t cover stuff which has been recently completed, like the lovely St. Audeon’s Park or the greening project on Marrowbone Lane.
If you’ve any thoughts, drop me a note on michael@pidgeon.ie or join in the Twitter conversation here.
(If interested, below is a map of the South West Inner City area which this post covers. It’s essentially bordered by the Phoenix Park/Liffey to the north, the Grand canal to the south. It goes as far as Winetavern into town, and stretches through the Liberties, Rialto, Kilmainham and Inchicore.)
Large Capital Projects
Larger capital projects (over a certain funding threshold) are approved through the Corporate Projects Support Office (CPSO) process . Projects may be listed, but waiting necessary resources.
With the exception of Bridgefoot Street Park (a Parks & Landscaping Services project), projects are assigned funding from the Housing & Community Capital Projects Budget 2020-2022.
| Project | Status |
| Francis Street Environmental Improvement Scheme | Proceeding to site October 2020 – 10 month construction time |
| Bridgefoot Street Park | Onsite – completion January 2021 |
| Newmarket & Environs Public Realm Project | Part 8 approved 2017. Awaiting allocation of E&T resources |
| Meath Street Public Realm Project | Currently subject to preliminary design with expected Part 8 in Q1 2021 |
| Vicar Street Square | Approval to develop a concept scheme for tarmac play area and environs |
Large Capital Projects (not yet listed with CPSO)
| Project | Status |
| Dolphin’s Barn Village Enhancement Scheme | Part 8 approved in 2018. Subject to review with NTA Busconnects |
| James Walk Linear Park | Masterplan under development. Delivery in phases. |
Greening Projects (funding assigned)
These are projects that arise out of The Liberties Greening Strategy and are largely being delivered by the Area Office and Parks & Landscaping Service. Projects are funded via Housing & Community Capital Projects Budget 2020-2022 or Discretionary Fund.
| Project | Status |
| Cork Street Greening Strategy | Project suspended until clarity on Busconnects programme |
| Bridgefoot Street Median (replacing hard median surface with landscaping) | Currently out to tender for completion alongside park |
| James Street Median (repaving and planting scheme) | In design. Expected to tender in Q4 2020 |
| Cromwell Quarters Steps (resurfacing) | In design, to tender for with James Street Median |
| Reuben Street Treeplanting 1 | Main works completed, tree planting in November |
| Basin Lane/ Oisin Kelly Park | Proposed to remove the existing railings, tree surgery and general landscaping improvements. |
| St Catherine’s Park | Conservation work, groundwork and landscaping |
Projects under consideration/ concept stage
The following are areas where there is considered scope for greening projects or small public realm improvements. Projects here are in early stages or aspirational and funding is not yet assigned.
| Project | Status |
| Inchicore Village Small Public Realm Interventions | Developing a series of ‘quick wins’ to enhance public realm and connectivity in the village |
| Weaver Square Environs | Considering coordinated public realm improvements in tandem with Weaver Park and new housing developments. |
| Reuben Street & Environs | Assessing streets for additional tree planting |
| Carman Hall | Assessing street for tree planting |
| Robert Street | Assessing street for tree planting and buildout public space |
| Island Street/ Bonham Street | Longer term plan to revitalise public realm in vicinity of new Bridgefoot Street Park and housing developments |
| Blackpitts | Considering opportunities for ‘depaving’, tree planting and greening |
| Turvey Park | Revitalisation of existing park and amenity space |