Dublin City Council has begun work on the Temple Bar Square Area Improvement Scheme, a €5 million project which is expected to transform the Temple Bar area.

The Scheme encompasses Crown Alley, Temple Bar Square, Temple Bar Street and parts of Fownes Street Lower and Cope Street. The Dublin City Council project is focused on pedestrianisation and accessibility, with construction works aiming to create a single surface finish between the buildings on each side of the Temple Bar Square.

The surrounding area will be reconstructed with granite footpaths and the traditional Temple Bar cobbled carriageways. The Scheme design will incorporate tree planting, new bench seating and a new public lighting system.

Once completed, it is expected by the Council that the project will result in a greatly enhanced public realm and pedestrian friendly space, which will facilitate more public and cultural activities.

via Dublin City Council

“It’s great to see this work commencing,” said the Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy.

“This area attracts approximately 60,000 pedestrians per day. Together with the ongoing works on Liffey Street, the decision to make Capel Street traffic-free and the plans for College Green, this is another important step in putting pedestrians at the heart of city life.”

The Area Improvement Scheme is expected to take 18 months to complete, but Temple bar businesses will not be affected as pedestrian access will be maintained to all pubs, shops and cafes affected by construction activity throughout the works.

The project is part of a wider Dublin City Council scheme to pedestrianise more of the city, to make the capital more accessible for locals and tourists. Various streets have been permanently pedestrianised such as Capel Street and South William Street, and a private car ban is set to come into place for College Green on May 29th.

For public information on the plans, click here