Ciarán Cuffe TD has welcomed the start of works on Crofton Road which will improve pedestrian access to Dún Laoghaire Dart Station. This is part of an overall upgrade to the Metals Walkway and Marine Road.

Ciarán Cuffe TD for Dún Laoghaire said: 

 "Many of the planned improvements for Dún Laoghaire town reflect the wishes of local residents and business owners as expressed at the Vision for Dún Laoghaire public meeting I held in July.

"It's vital that we create an inviting atmosphere for people arriving by Dart or ferry and help promote the local economy. The improvements to Croton Road, the Metals Walkway and Marine Road will allow residents and visitors alike to enjoy the town's spectacular Harbour front and rich architectural heritage.

"I'm also happy to see that the plans include the planting of trees in the town and the provision of additional bicycle parking places."

 

Update 24 August 2010:  Some of the works near Dún Laoghaire Dart Station will take place at night between the hours of 20.00-06.00 from the 23-27 August as they require the shutting down of the Dart line.

If you have a query regarding these works you can contact Michael Finn (E:michael.finn@lagan-group.com, Tel: 087 123 0221), Project Manager at Lagan Construction who are carrying out the works on behalf of the Council.

Below you'll find a summary of the planned improvements:

The Metals Walkway

Historically Dun Laoghaire Town Centre has been severed from its seafront by the cutting of the Dart Line particularly between Park Road and the junction of Marine Road and Crofton Road.  This cutting impedes natural pedestrian movement to and from the town centre by limiting pedestrian crossing points to the railway bridges and through the lack of footpaths along the town ward side of Queens Road.

Working in association with Irish Rail the proposed design will redress this disconnection by creating a new walkway over the cutting along Queens Road between Marine Road and the entrance to the Pavilion.  This will define the Metals as a place for pedestrians and cyclists while also creating new café terraces; pathways sitting areas and a new small play space.  A new footpath along Queens Road together with additional crossing points will knit this scheme into the surrounding area.  A controlled crossing at the entrance to the Pavilion Car Park will further enhance pedestrian permeability both to the Metals and to the new proposed County Library in Moran Park.

The design consciously moves away from a hard landscaped solution proposing a softer more landscaped approach complete with new trees planting lighting and umbrellas along the length of the Pavilion.  Outside Meadows and Byrne a new public space with a kiosk and public seating is proposed.  It is anticipated that this approach will create more shelter from the wind and will create a park ambience that reinforces the experience of the metals as a place to sit and relax, to enjoy coffee and food.

Marine Road

The theme of reinforcing the connections between the seafront and the town centre continues with the proposed works for Marine Road.  Here it is proposed to create a tree-lined avenue leading up the hill to Georges Street.  The design emphasises a more satisfactory pedestrian environment by widening the pavements on both sides, creating a narrower carriageway with defined pedestrian crossing points and tightening the junction between Marine Road / Crofton Road/ Queens Road.  New public lighting at regular intervals will create a line of light from the harbour to the town emphasising the connection.  Car parking, loading and a taxi rank will be retained within defined pull in bays.

Crofton Road/ Dart Station

Works along Crofton Road include new trees and lighting to complete the crossroads.  A new signalised controlled crossing is proposed outside the Dart Station.  This will facilitate (in accordance with the objectives in the County Development Plan) pedestrian movement from the Dart Station to Sussex Street via a new pedestrian link through the harbour yard and the Old School House Site.

Materials

The materials proposed for this design will be chosen from a palette of stone paving, cobbles together with concrete and gravel.  This will create a visual unity for the area.  A range of semi mature trees and planting will complement these materials.  Lighting will be a mixture of modern and reproduction styles while bollards will generally continue the style of stone bollard found along the Queens Road.  Enhanced facilities for cyclists are planned with additional racks located throughout the scheme.