Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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196. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department will install pedestrian crossings, zebra or otherwise in the Phoenix Park, specifically at various points along Chesterfield Avenue, allowing for the safe passage of people north to south and vice-versa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39695/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works had developed plans for the installation of a number of pedestrian crossings on Chesterfield Avenue, a number of years ago, but these were not achieved at planning stage with an Bord Pleanala.

In 2021, the Office of Public Works, in collaboration with Dublin City Council (DCC), Fingal County Council and the National Transport Authority (NTA) published the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study which focused on a number of transport and mobility issues, including pedestrian movement within the Park.

The NTA and DCC together with the OPW are developing plans for Chesterfield Avenue which prioritises pedestrian and cyclists with dedicated paths and crossing points. The primary objective of the project is to provide permanent infrastructure enhancements to improve pedestrian and cycle movement along this route. This project will be delivered subject to planning permission being granted and availability of funding.

The Phoenix Park is a historic landscape of international importance and one of the largest designed landscapes in any European City. A heritage-sensitive design for the pedestrian and cycle infrastructure and crossing points along Chesterfield Avenue will be very important and the OPW is currently working closely with the NTA and DCC on the design proposals for this scheme.

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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197. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department will make efforts to amend the Islandbridge turnstile access point to the Phoenix Park, specifically to improve the steps which are in a bad state of disrepair and to enhance bicycle access through the entrance. [39699/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works has responsibility for the maintenance of the Phoenix Park. The access points and gated entrances are also maintained by the OPW. A programme of works for the Phoenix Park is in place and the repair of the steps at the Islandbridge turnstile as referenced is part of this work plan.

It is envisaged these works should take place in 2024, subject to availability of funding.

The turnstiles and the entrances to the Phoenix Park are protected structures and significant modifications to these structures, to allow for cyclist access, would not be possible. Cyclists can enter and leave the Park via the Chapelizod gates and the gates at Islandbridge which are suitably wide enough for bicycles, buggies etc. Cyclists can dismount and use a pedestrian route to and from the Park via these gates.