Temple Bar Square Area Improvement Scheme Project Overview

Dublin City Council through its Public Works contractor, Circet Networks (Ireland) Ltd are commencing work in April on Temple Bar Square.

Temple Bar is home to some 2000 residents and attracts up to 22 million pedestrians annually, or 60,000 each day. The project covers approximately 2,400m² and takes in Crown Alley, Temple Bar Square, Temple Bar Street and parts of Fownes Street Lower and Cope Street. The project involves the conversion of Temple Bar Square (including parts of Crown Alley and Fownes Street Lower) to a single surface between the buildings on each side of the Square, including removal of the steps on the central portion of the square and the height differential between kerbs and carriageway.

The approximate size of the existing raised section of Temple Bar Square is 485m². By removing the steps and kerbing in this area, the Square will be extended to nearly 1000m², doubling the original footprint.

The Square is to be paved in granite, with carriageway areas delineated by drainage channels and a slight difference in paving size and colour.

The existing trees will be replaced by a large tree at the north east corner of the Square and a stand of three smaller trees at the western side of the Square along the eastern side of Fownes St Lower.

Public seating will be provided on three sides of the Square. A mix of sunny and shaded seating, with and without back rests, will be provided.

A new lighting system will greatly improve the quality of lighting on the Square.

Crown Alley and Temple Bar Street

Temple Bar Street (between Fownes St Lower and Temple Lane South) and Crown Alley will be reconstructed with granite footpaths and the traditional Temple Bar cobbled carriageways.

On Temple Bar, the northern footpath is to be widened to make it more accessible for all users.

Footpath widths on Crown Alley are more generous and will remain largely the same.

The carriageway will ramp up to a flush surface at the junctions of Temple Bar and Fownes St Lower and of Temple Bar Square and Crown Alley.

Lighting on Temple Bar and Crown Alley will be upgraded with new building mounted lanterns.

Vehicular and Pedestrian Movements

The Scheme is within the existing pedestrianised section of the greater Temple Bar area, with deliveries permitted between 0600-1100Hrs only. The existing delivery window is to be retained, but it will be strictly enforced using removable bollards around the perimeter of the greater Temple Bar area. The Council commenced trialling stricter enforcement of the delivery window in 2020 using demountable flexible bollards that are removed between 0600-1100Hrs to facilitate the delivery window. To date this system has all but eliminated traffic travelling through the area outside the delivery window, resulting in a much more pedestrian friendly environment.

Loading will be facilitated on the northern part of Temple Bar Square and the southern end of Crown Alley. Widening of the northern footpath on Temple Bar Street and the subsequent narrowing of the carriageway will result in this street becoming a clearway.

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the duration of the works

Accessibility

The creation of a more usable space for people of all abilities is a central feature of this project. At the entrances to the Square, blister paving gives warning that users are entering an area with a level surface. An accessible route/zone of comfort has been provided across the north and eastern sides of the project area to better facilitate those with mobility and visual impairments. A tactile guidance path has been provided along the northern and eastern sections of the Square to facilitate way-finding. Additional bench seating of varying heights and both with and without arm rests has been provided to cater for users of all abilities.

Queries

For queries during these Public Works, please contact [email protected]

Temporary Traffic Management will be a major part of the proposed Works, with the safety of pedestrians and other road users remaining paramount throughout the construction period.

There is a separate Frequently asked questions that can viewed below for additional information

Pedestrian and vehicular access will be maintained during the works; however, Temporary Road Closures will be required for varying duration(s) during the works and especially whilst re-constructing junctions in particular.  Any Temporary Road Closure required will be advertised in advance. 

Similarly, access for emergency services, and refuse collection, will also be maintained

Occasional evening and weekend work (particularly at road junctions) may be required. Dublin City Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and seeks the public’s understanding and cooperation during the course of these Public Realm Works.