Phoenix Park Parking strategy must reflect needs of residents and visitors – Currie

A new parking strategy for Phoenix Park must reflect the transportation needs of residents and visitors and identify challenges regarding connectivity, according to Fine Gael Senator Emer Currie.

Senator Currie was speaking as the OPW today launched the first phase of the Phoenix Park Parking Strategy with a public survey going live from today (Wednesday, 15th June) until Friday, 8th July.

Senator Currie, who represents Dublin West, said: “For some time now, I have been raising some connectivity and challenges that people are experiencing in accessing the Phoenix Park and the need for better public transport options for visitors and residents from surrounding areas.

“In May, I met with my colleague, Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Patrick O’Donovan, and the OPW itself, and I was assured a parking strategy would be prioritised.

“Today, phase one of the strategy will begin with an online survey to gather views on issues and ideas for parking within and adjacent to the Phoenix Park from members of the public.

“This will inform the development of the draft strategy that will be published in late Autumn as a non-statutory public consultation.

“There will also be engagement with key groups and stakeholders within and in the vicinity of the Park, which is vital.

“It is really important that people inform the OPW of their experiences regarding Phoenix Park, particularly over the last two years when so many people utilised it when public health restrictions due to Covid were in place.

“We need to strike the right balance in making the park accessible to people at all ages and stages, while protecting the park environment and wildlife.

“The park must be inclusive for all visitors, including those who do need to drive to get there.

“We must also ensure public safety and I welcome the inclusion of bicycle parking, but we have to have safe routes for cycling into the park if we are serious about increasing sustainable modes of travel.

“We really need to see movement on the overdue bus pilot. The NTA must get serious about public transport links to and around the park to reduce the reliance on cars. In the OPWs survey last year, only 6% of people currently use public transport to the park while 77%  supported the provision of public transport to major visitor attractions within the park.

“Over the next three weeks, I would encourage members of the public to have their say by visiting https://www.systra.ie/en/phoenix-park-survey which runs until 8th July.”