Phases for Active Travel Schemes

Learn about the seven phases that each of our Active Travel schemes goes through.

A Dublin City Council Active Travel scheme goes through seven phases, which are part of the National Transport Authority (NTA) Project Approval Guidelines:

Phase 1: Scope and Purpose

Dublin City Council outlines the expected scope, timescale, costs and outcomes of a scheme. We prepare a funding application to the NTA.

Phase 2: Concept Development and Option Selection

During this phase, Dublin City Council:

engages a designer for the scheme
works with the designer to develop the initial concept
survey existing conditions (e.g. accidents, speeds, traffic volumes, land uses, trees) and conduct feasibility work
engage with key stakeholders and teams managing other projects interacting with the scheme
prepare different options to meet the scheme objectives and critically assess these options
produce an Options Assessment Report including cost estimates which identifies the best alternative (the “preferred option”) for development

Phase 3: Preliminary Design

The preferred option is now developed into a preliminary design. The scheme’s designers produce preliminary design drawings which shows the overall layout and general arrangement. A preliminary design report is also prepared which provides details of:

project objectives
land-take requirements
broad environmental impacts
mitigation measures
cost information
transport benefits

A number of audits and reports are undertaken. For instance, a Quality Audit is undertaken which comprises a Road Safety Audit, Accessibility Audit, Walking Audit and Cycle Audit. If there are trees along the route, a Tree Survey, Tree Constraints Plan and Arborist Report are prepared.

Phase 4: Statutory Processes and Public Consultation

Dublin City Council hosts a public consultation to allow members of the public to provide feedback on the proposed design. We try to reach as many people as possible who may be affected by the scheme. Our consultation process can include:

public information sessions
online consultation tool with survey
leaflet drops to homes and businesses
display of drawings in local venues
advertising with posters and social media

All submissions are reviewed, and a Public Consultation Report is published.

Following public consultation, the project team refines the design based on the responses received. The preliminary design is updated and this design is published along with a Public Consultation Report.

Phase 5: Detailed Design and Procurement

The project team prepares the detailed design and tender documentation necessary to procure a contractor and deliver the project.

The detailed design includes:

Specific detailed drawings for all the various aspects of the works such as site clearance, drainage, utilities, public lighting, landscaping, paving, road surfacing, road markings, signage, and traffic infrastructure
The Detailed Design Report

Phase 6: Construction

Before and during construction, the Active Travel Programme Office liaises with local stakeholders to minimise disruptions and inform them about issues such as road closures. Roadwork and construction updates will also be published on the scheme's web page on this website so that interested parties can stay informed.

Phase 7: Close-out and Review

This phase ensures that the project is properly closed out, with no outstanding issues. A review is undertaken to assess whether the project was delivered as specified and achieved its objectives. Lessons learned are captured and documented for use on future schemes.

Further information about the NTA Project Approval Guidelines and timelines can be found here.

In addition to the above, Dublin City Council conducts a separate and prioritised consultation process with Disabled Persons’ Organisations / Disabled Persons’ Representative Organisations (DPOs/DPROs). This process involves communications throughout the project lifecycle.