Clonmel Enterprises has been awarded the contract to construct the dlr Living Streets Blackrock Scheme, with work set to begin in October.

The project, commissioned by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLR) and supported by the National Transport Authority (NTA), will deliver significant upgrades to Blackrock village's public realm, cycling infrastructure and pedestrian facilities.

At the contract signing, Councillor Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, said: "This scheme delivers significant public realm upgrades for Blackrock including planting, play areas, and sustainable drainage system. This extension of the active travel infrastructure expands our active travel network in the area, offering safer, greener transport options for residents and visitors to Blackrock."

-- Advertisement --

The scheme builds on temporary measures introduced during the COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 and will replace them with a high-quality permanent design. It includes wider footpaths, upgraded pedestrian crossings, improved surfaces, and traffic calming measures, all aimed at enhancing walkability, accessibility, and safety. Cycling infrastructure will also be improved, with an upgraded bike lane and a new contra-flow lane connecting to the Coastal Mobility Route. High-quality materials, enhanced landscaping, seating, and planting will create a more cohesive and welcoming village environment.

The project has been developed in consultation with local businesses and residents, informed by an independent evaluation conducted by TU Dublin, and aligns with the Blackrock Local Area Plan (LAP). DLR has refined the scheme in collaboration with stakeholders to optimise the placement of seating, planting, loading bays, bike racks, parking spaces and traffic flow.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive of DLR, said the council's previous collaborations with Clonmel Enterprises on projects such as the Coastal Mobility Route and Druid's Glen Road Phase 2 provide confidence in the smooth delivery of the Blackrock scheme.

The existing temporary measures, including one-way traffic systems, wider pavements, seating, and planters, received strong support from residents and businesses, and the permanent scheme will retain these improvements while enhancing connectivity between Blackrock Main Street, the seafront and surrounding areas.