26.09.18
The planned refurbishment of Francis Street is set to commence in 2019, with the appointment by Dublin city Council of a contractor to oversee detailed design and construction. The project, which is one of the main recommendations of The Liberties Greening Strategy and Public Realm Plan, will see the historic thoroughfare benefit from a €2.5m revamp.
The refurbishment includes replacing existing pavements with wider pavements in quality stone, creating new raised table areas to mark key landmarks along the street, adding new lighting and street furniture, and planting trees and landscaping the street. The junctions at either end of Francis Street will also be improved, while the high quality paving will also extend down Hanover Lane.
The project was first announced in 2014 and received its Part 8 planning permission last year. The Francis Street refurbishment is one of three major projects set for The Liberties in the coming year, with the commencement of a €1m restoration programme to the historic St James’s Graveyard on James Street, and the imminent call for tenders for a new community park at Bridgefoot Street, with works expected to begin in the spring.
Site works on Francis Street will likely to start in summer 2019, following a period of detailed design. It is expected that the street will be completed in phases, with work extending into 2020.