Dublin City Council has announced a new public realm improvement plan for Francis Street in The Liberties. The street redesign has been developed by landscape architects Áit Urbanism + Landscape and follows on from an extensive design phase that included workshops with local businesses and residents.
The main elements of the plan include:
- Fully repaving the street from its junctions with Thomas Street to The Coombe with new stone pavements and a new carriageway. The plans also include works on Hanover Lane and part of Dean Street.
- Widening of pavements to create more space for pedestrians. New kerb buildouts will formalise on street parking and loading. The existing single lane one-way flow for cars will be maintained.
- The creation of two raised ‘plaza’ spaces to the front of the Iveagh Market and the entrance to St Nicholas de Myra Church. These areas will be paved in dark stone and include new elements such as street furniture and feature lighting.
- New street furniture, lighting and landscaping.
- Retaining the existing Dublinbikes station and adding additional cycleparking along the street.
A Part 8 Planning Application for the project has now been initiated and the public is invited to comment on the plans over the next 6 weeks. The plans are on public display in the Atrium of the Civic Offices on Wood Quay, or can be viewed online at www.dublincity.ie – reference 2792/17. The closing date for submissions on the Francis Street Environmental Improvement Scheme is 28th June 2017.
