Contract Signed for dlr Living Streets Blackrock Scheme

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLR), with support from the National Transport Authority (NTA), has signed a contract with Clonmel Enterprises to deliver the dlr Living Streets Blackrock Scheme, with construction scheduled to begin in October.

At the contract signing, Councillor Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, said:

“This scheme delivers significant public realm upgrades for Blackrock including planting, play areas, and sustainable drainage system. This extension of the active travel infrastructure expands our active travel network in the area, offering safer, greener transport options for residents and visitors to Blackrock.”

Living Streets Blackrock Village is a transformative public realm improvement project designed to enhance the attractiveness, liveability, connectivity, and economic vibrancy of Blackrock village. Building on the temporary measures introduced during the COVID-19 restrictions in summer 2020, the scheme will transition the village from a temporary layout to a high-quality permanent design.

The scheme has been shaped by consultation with local business and resident groups, and informed by an independent evaluation of the temporary measures conducted by TU Dublin. It aligns with the Blackrock Local Area Plan (LAP), which was based on extensive public engagement.

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

“We’ve had successful collaborations with Clonmel Enterprises on projects like the Coastal Mobility Route and Druid’s Glen Road Phase 2. This strong working relationship will help ensure smooth delivery of the Blackrock scheme. This project is a great example of where trialling ideas, assessing the impact and then building towards a permanent project benefits all. We hope that this scheme will provide a roadmap for other schemes.”

Key Features of the Scheme

• Public Realm Improvements
  High-quality materials will replace existing finishes, creating a cohesive village aesthetic. Enhanced landscaping, seating, and planting will contribute to a safer, more accessible and welcoming environment.

• Cycling Infrastructure
  • Upgraded surface for the existing bike lane.
  • A new contra-flow bike lane outside the library will connect with the existing lane at Maretimo Villas, creating a seamless link to the Coastal Mobility Route.

• Improved Walkability and Accessibility
  Wider footpaths, improved pedestrian crossings, traffic calming measures, and better-quality surfaces will make the village more accessible for all.

• Connected Spaces
  Enhanced connectivity between Blackrock Main Street, the seafront, and surrounding areas through integrated pedestrian and cycling routes.

Community Support

The existing temporary measures—such as the one-way traffic system, wider pavements, seating, and planters—were developed in collaboration with local groups including the Blackrock Business Network (BBN) and Blackrock Village Rejuvenation Action Group (BVRAG). Surveys have shown strong community support for making these changes permanent, with both residents and businesses expressing a desire for long-term improvements.

DLR has worked closely with stakeholders to refine the scheme, particularly around the design and placement of planting, seating, loading bays, bike racks, parking spaces, and traffic flow.