The Green Party has welcomed plans to replace the granite cobbles on Georges Street in Dún Laoghaire. However, they say that the cobbled surface should never have been put down in the first place.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council intends to temporarily close Lower Georges Street, Dún Laoghaire from its junction with Patrick Street to St. Michael’s Hospital to facilitate the removal of the existing granite setts and the complete resurfacing of the roadway. The Council has informed the Green Party that the carriageway had been damaged by wear and tear caused by allowing vehicles back onto what was a pedestrian street.

Green Party TD for Dún Laoghaire Ciarán Cuffe stated:

“The Green Party was unhappy with the decision of the Councillors to allow cars and trucks back onto the main street of Dún Laoghaire, and the chickens are now coming home to roost. As a result of the damage it will now cost hundreds of thousands of euro to take up the cobbles and resurface the street.

“On the plus side of things, people complained to me about the uneven granite cobbled surface and at least the works would provide a smoother walking surface.

“I’ve written to the County Manager urging him to consult with the National Council for the Blind and similar organisations to ensure that the changes will not adversely affect people who are partially sighted. There is a danger that the lack of a kerb might allow people to step into traffic without thinking, as previously to this the surface of the granite setts reminded pedestrians that they were stepping onto the roadway."

Former Green Party Councillor Gene Feighery urged people to have a look at the plans that are on display in County Hall on the Marine Road. She stated:

“It’s disappointing that the Council performed a U-turn on pedestrianising Georges Street, but at least people have a chance to make their views known over the next few days.”

The Council intend to carry out this work from Thursday 3rd June to Thursday 24th June 2010, both dates inclusive. The alternative route will be via Upper Georges Street, Park Road, Queens Road, Crofton Road and Clarence Street.

A Traffic Management Plan will be in operation and diversions will be signposted.  Any interested party may lodge an objection in writing with the Senior Engineer, Traffic Section, Transportation Department, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, County Hall, Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin not later than noon on Monday 24th May 2010.