Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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309. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a full update in respect of all gates that were removed for restoration in the Phoenix Park; the full costs of same; and the timeline for the reinstallation of the gates. [21592/21]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works obtained permission, under Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000-2002 (as amended) to remove seven pairs of gates and ancillary structures, from vehicular and pedestrian entrances at the perimeter of the Phoenix Park, in order to facilitate the free and safe movement of people and vehicles for the Papal visit to the Phoenix Park in 2018, and for their repair, refurbishment and reinstatement, to include in situ stone repair works at their existing locations. 

All seven pairs of gates have now been refurbished and returned to the OPW for rehanging.  

Works on the Knockmaroon gates, which were undertaken in situ, were completed in August 2020. The North Circular Road gates were fully restored and rehung in early December 2020. 

Works on the rehanging of the remaining gates, located at Castleknock, Chapelizod, Blackhorse Avenue, Cabra and Islandbridge, including repair works to stonework and railings, were paused at the start of January 2021 due to the requirements of the Level 5 restrictions of the Government's Plan for Living with Covid-19.

Planning is underway for the resumption of works as soon as practicable.  It is currently estimated that the remaining works will be concluded by end-July 2021.

Total expenditure on this project, to date, has amounted to €811,000.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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310. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress made to date in relation to greater bicycle and pedestrian priority through and around the Phoenix Park; and his plans to incorporate the use of electric scooters in the park and to ensure the safety of all users as a result of such measures [21593/21]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study was promulgated on the 11th January 2021. This study examined a range of transport and mobility options for the park with an emerging preferred option being identified which seeks to reposition the Phoenix Park as an important natural resource for the citizens of Dublin and further afield, while seeking to reduce through traffic over the medium to long term.

This preferred option will significantly improve pedestrian and cycling safety while also providing more sustainable transport options for those working in the park and accessing its visitor attractions and amenities. It recommends the upgrade of over 7 km of footpaths along with strategic pedestrian crossing points on Chesterfield Avenue and other key locations throughout the Park, including the Gate entrances. Further expansion and upgrade of the cycle network within the Park and linkages to the external networks is recommended. This will involve the creation of 14 km of new cycle lanes and the upgrade of over 17 kms of existing cycle lanes within the Park and at Park entrances.  A reduction in the speed limit is also recommended.

The  Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Study public consultation commenced in late January and concluded in mid March with over 2,200 submissions being received.  An analysis of all the submissions received is currently being undertaken and, subject to approval of the final recommendations, OPW will seek to implement these recommendations in the report within the published timelines contained in the final report.

Another key recommendation in the report is that OPW would review the existing bye-laws pertaining to the Phoenix Park. The OPW review will include consideration of new provisions relating to electric scooters, and this work will be informed by Government Policy from the Department of Transport.  The Department has proposed the drafting of legislation which will allow for the regulation of e-scooters and e-bikes in the forthcoming Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.