This video, below, shows the return of traffic dominance in
Dublin’s Phoenix Park today after Minister for State Patrick O’Donovan ordered
the park gates that had been closed to drivers to re-open.
The clip below shows a return to the usual parking habits
in the park, with vehicles parked on pavements and blocking them and cars
dominating generally.
During lock-down the Office of Public Works (OPW) had closed most of the gates to vehicles to reclaim a lot of park from drivers in their cars and reassign it to those cycling and walking, leading to a sea change in the way people enjoyed the park.
[banners_ad id=55]
However, O’Donovan – the new minister now over the OPW –
ordered the gates be re-opened and now the pre-lockdown scenes have returned.
Advertisement
A statement issued by O’Donovan and the OPW made it clear
that it was the junior minister who said the gates must reopen.
Related News
“Having weighed up the arguments of the complex issue of
traffic in the Phoenix Park, Minister O’Donovan concluded that the correct
course of action for now was to re-open the perimeter gates of the Phoenix
Park,” the statement said.
“The decision was based on an increase in the volume of
traffic in the neighbouring areas surrounding the park to which the gate
closures have in part contributed.
“In fact, a further increase in traffic volume in the
coming weeks and months with the escalation of the returning workforce within
the city and the re-opening of schools might be anticipated.
“Minister O’Donovan and the OPW are committed to accelerating
the consultation process on the Phoenix Park traffic management strategy,
including all stakeholders, to create a balanced approach to access to the park,
for all users.
“This can only be achieved once all the traffic
data/information has been analysed and all necessary consultation with all stakeholders
has taken place, ultimately informing the appropriate solution to traffic
management in the Phoenix Park.”
Topics
