Construction BUSINESS

A €10 million scheme to convert Dublin’s College Green into a pedestrian plaza is set to go to An Bord Pleanála next week. The project will see a ban on all private cars and East/West public transport. It will cover nearly 7,500 sq m and will involve a two-way cycle track, wooden benches, fountains and trees.

Designed by Paul Keogh Architects and Dixon Jones, the space has been specifically designed to allow for public gatherings and processional events with the capacity to accommodate up to 15,000 people. Dublin City Architect Ali Grehan said: “The project at College Green offers the opportunity for Dublin to regain an urban space of prime civic importance and for that space to be of national and international significance. Dixon Jones and Paul Keogh Architects are highly regarded architects with extensive experience in the public realm and we are delighted to have appointed them as leads on this project.”

Senior Architect Paul Keogh stated: “We are aiming to create ‘Dublin’s living room’ – a place that is safe, adaptable and friendly for people of all ages, both for everyday social interaction and for major public events, comparable with world-class spaces of similar scale internationally”.

After the plan is lodged to An Bord Pleanála there will be a six-week public consultation period. The board is expected to give its decision on an Environmental Impact Assessment of the traffic plan in October ahead of the Cross City Luas beginning operation in December. If the board grants permission the council plans to start work in January with construction taking 18 months.