Community-Led Laneway Transformation Wins Major Regeneration Award

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is proud to announce that the “Love Our Laneways” Active Travel project has won the Thornton Education Trust (TET) Regeneration Award in London recently.   The project was described by TET as "An exemplary model of phased, playful engagement, this project transformed a neglected laneway into a vibrant, inclusive space while influencing policy and practice."  Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council in partnership with the National Transport Agency (NTA) and A Playful City, worked with the Sallynoggin community to reimagine an underused laneway as a vibrant, meaningful space for everyone who lives, works and plays there.

Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, expressed his pride on receiving the award, stating that:  

“The project has redeveloped the laneway, incorporating new areas for people to spend time, play areas for children, age friendly seating, traffic calming, accessible crossings, new pollinator friendly planting, new artwork and more”. 

Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, added:  

“What truly sets this project apart is that it was driven entirely by the community. Extensive public engagement played a central role, bringing together numerous local groups and organisations to collaboratively shape a shared vision for the public realm. I would like to once again express my gratitude to all the organisations and community groups who worked together to create this wonderful network”. 

Neasa Ni Bhriain, Director, A Playful City, said: 

“We’re incredibly proud to see Love Our Laneways recognised on an international stage. What was once an overlooked and unsafe cut-through in Sallynoggin is now a safe, green and playful connector between homes, schools and local facilities — shaped directly by children, residents and local partners. This award shows that when regeneration is community-led and prototype-first, it doesn’t just improve places, it creates models that can be replicated far beyond one laneway.” 

Thanks to our Project Partners: The National Transport Authority, Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Sallynoggin College of Further Education, Sallynoggin Estate Management Group, Crosscare, Monkstown Educate Together National School, St.Kevin’s National School and the dlr Disability Consultation Group. 

For further information on the project:  

Love our Laneways: Pearse Drive, Sallynoggin.

 A Playful City  

Project Launch. 

For more information on the 2025 Winners: IFGA25 — Thornton Education Trust