Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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229. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will publish a recent study on the effects of the closure of the peripheral gates of the Phoenix Park on traffic volumes in the surrounding areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17183/20]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works did not undertake or commission a study on the effects of the closure of the peripheral gates of the Phoenix Park on traffic volumes in the surrounding areas. Dublin City Council has administrative responsibility for these areas. OPW is committed to engaging in a consultation process on the Phoenix Park Traffic and Mobility Strategy, involving all stakeholders, to create a balanced approach to access to the Park, for all users. This process is expected to take place during August/September of this year and will ultimately inform the appropriate sustainable solutions to traffic and mobility in the Phoenix Park in the short, medium and long term. OPW is currently undertaking traffic counts throughout the Phoenix Park to gain an understanding of the current traffic patterns, which will inform the Phoenix Park Traffic and Mobility Strategy.

Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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230. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the decision to open the gates of the Phoenix Park to through traffic is a permanent one; and if the decision is under review. [17273/20]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The decision to re-open the gates on Friday 10th July was based on an increase in the volume of traffic in the neighbouring areas surrounding the Park to which the gate closures have in part contributed and because a further increase in traffic volume in the coming weeks and months with the escalation of the returning workforce within the City and the re-opening of schools might be anticipated.Officials at OPW and I are committed to engaging in a consultation process on the Phoenix Park Traffic Management Strategy, involving all stakeholders, to create a balanced approach to access to the Park, for all users. It is envisaged that this consultation could take place during August/September of this year and will ultimately inform the appropriate sustainable solutions to traffic management in the Phoenix Park in the short, medium and long term.