Newmarket Pedestrian Improvement Measures

Overview

A series of rapid-install measures are proposed for Newmarket in Dublin 8 to increase the extent of pedestrian space on the square, to reduce the extent of car parking and restrict parking to the west end of Newmarket, and to better regulate and manage traffic flows on the square.

The proposed measures include:

• creating a large pedestrian space on the south side of the square. The new space will be approximately 10-12m deep and will be contiguous with the existing footpath. All parking in this area will be removed. This expansive area will be constructed using rubberised kerbs, asphalt and resin-bound surface.
• widening the footpath on the north side. These buildouts will be approximately 3m deep and will be contiguous with the existing footpath. Provision will be made for 2 no. disabled parking spaces (relocated from the south side of the square) and an area for loading.  Again, buildouts will be constructed using rubberised kerbs, asphalt and resin-bound surfaces.
• creating a defined traffic route through the square (in both directions) and restricting vehicles from the area south of the former weighstation building on the east side of Newmarket/Ward’s Hill.
• reordering car parking on the west end of the square including provision for loading. Pay parking will operate in this area.
• installing street furniture including tree planters, seating and bollards as required.

The measures are intended to be an interim solution that will begin the process of re-ordering Newmarket in line with the approved public realm improvement scheme.

The measures are intended to reduce traffic speeds; improve facilities for pedestrian and create a more relaxing environment on this important public space; and substantially reduce the extent of car parking on the square.

Traffic into Newmarket and the wider network of streets will continue to be facilitated and the current HOHO tourist bus access to Newmarket will also be maintained. The bus stop for HOHO services was recently relocated back to Brabazon Row following the completion of the Premier Inn Hotel.

The existing recycling facility will remain in place.

Access to existing gates and site entrances will be maintained.

Why your views matter

It is planned to engage a contractor and make these changes in summer 2024. The work will take a number of weeks to complete and disturbance to adjoining properties will be minimised as much as possible.

The project is being undertaken by Dublin City Council’s Transportation Section on behalf of the South Central Area Office under provisions of the Roads Acts which empowers the local authority to make general changes to road layouts and parking arrangements. This means that the changes we propose do not require planning consent. However we would like to hear the views of interested residents and local stakeholders.

Queries on the scheme can be made to southcentral@dublincity.ie or are available to view at the Public Counter of South Central Area Office until 26th April 2024.