Dublin City Council has published the pre-planning design for 'Grow College Green', its flagship public-realm project to reimagine the historic heart of the capital as a welcoming destination to shop, work, gather and celebrate — and a place to pause and connect.

The latest iteration follows extensive engagement since August 2024, including two rounds of non-statutory consultation, more than 2,800 written submissions and over 100 in-person engagements ranging from one-to-one stakeholder meetings and public drop-ins to sessions with local businesses, a Family Fun Day and walkabouts with Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs).

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, said: "Grow College Green is an exciting step in celebrating Dublin, not just our history, but the living, working, evolving city we are today. This project will reimagine one of our most iconic spaces as a destination for everyone, somewhere you can walk through easily, meet friends, sit in the sunshine, enjoy the buzz of the city, or simply take a breath in the middle of a busy day.

"Crucially, the updated design reflects real engagement, thousands of submissions and face to face conversations, and I welcome the clear commitment to making College Green inclusive and accessible, with the input of Disabled Persons Organisations helping to shape what welcome and usable really mean in practice.

"Working with the National Transport Authority, Dublin City Council is setting out a vision for a high-quality public realm that can accommodate everyday activity and major cultural events, while staying safe, legible and welcoming from morning to night. I encourage Dubliners, commuters, businesses and visitors to engage with the consultation on Engage.ie, because the best city-making happens when people help shape the places they use and love."

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The refreshed plans prioritise pedestrians and create clearer, more legible routes that connect the north and south of the city along the civic spine. The intention is to transform a currently traffic-dominated space into a lively area that adapts to the rhythm of the day — calm and inviting at quieter times, and colourful and energetic during performances, cultural activity and major civic events.

Sustainability and climate resilience are central to the scheme. The design proposes more trees and shade, climate-resilient planting, nature-based drainage, safe cycle routes, comfortable seating and the use of high-quality sustainable materials. It will also open up views to landmark buildings, including Trinity College and the Bank of Ireland, restoring a strong sense of arrival and identity for this key civic space.

Speaking about the updated design, Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive of Dublin City Council, said: "The pre-planning design for 'Grow College Green' represents a significant step forward in reimagining one of Dublin's most historic and important public spaces. From the outset, our ambition has been to create a city centre that works better for everyone, a place that is safer, greener, and more accessible, a space that feels good to spend time in.

"Informed by users of the city, this project will transform how people experience the heart of the city. It will deliver wider, clearer and more legible routes for moving through the area, linking the north and south of the city centre along the civic spine; greener, more tranquil spaces to spend time; and a setting that supports everything from everyday activity to cultural events and major civic moments. By opening up views to our landmark buildings and weaving in the textures and stories of the past, the design will restore a real sense of importance to this historic location.

"The design we are now sharing reflects the feedback we have received from businesses, people who work in the area, residents, students, DPOs, community groups and visitors. We are asking the public to share their views for the last time on this exciting 'Grow College Green' project. The input we receive during this consultation will directly influence the design that we submit for planning and will ensure that this space truly serves the city for decades to come."

Detailed plans, visualisations and supporting materials are available to view on Engage.ie. Dublin City Council will accept submissions until midnight on 11 March 2026, with public feedback informing the final design ahead of a statutory planning application later this year.

Councillor Janet Horner, Chairperson of Dublin City Council's Mobility and Public Realm Strategic Policy Committee, said: "This is an incredibly exciting moment for the 'Grow College Green' project, as the updated designs are shared with the public. I hope as many people as possible will take part in this consultation as their feedback will play a vital role in shaping a city space that everyone can feel proud of."