DLR Leads the Way with Ireland’s First AI-Powered Road and Footpath Survey

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is proud to be the first local authority in Ireland to trial an advanced road condition survey and asset management system from Gaist. This cutting-edge technology uses high-definition, 360-degree cameras mounted on vehicles to capture detailed imagery of roads and footpaths. It provides accurate condition ratings, identifies faded road markings, and geo-locates street furniture such as signs and bollards.

Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:

"We are the first local authority in Ireland to trial Gaist’s advanced road condition and asset management system. This technology uses high-definition imaging and AI analysis to deliver accurate condition ratings, identify worn markings early, and map key street assets. It also supports long-term investment planning, ensuring funding is targeted where it’s needed most. This is a major step forward in improving safety, efficiency, and value for our community."

The trial will cover 823 km of the county’s road network, providing DLR with a comprehensive and up-to-date dataset to inform future investment decisions. Unlike traditional Pavement Surface Condition Index (PSCI) surveys, which are manual and subjective, Gaist’s system delivers consistent, reliable data and includes features such as footpath condition ratings, road marking assessments, and inventory mapping capabilities not currently available through existing systems.

At the launch of the trial, Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, stated:

"The integration of high-resolution road-condition surveying with Gaist’s investment modelling enables us to plan maintenance and investment with significantly greater precision. This approach ensures the efficient use of public funds, prioritises works that present the highest risk, and aligns with our Climate Action Plan by facilitating targeted, sustainable interventions. Collectively, these measures will deliver a safer, smarter, and more resilient road network for the benefit of all in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown."

The trial also includes a comprehensive footpath condition survey, a first for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. This feature will provide accurate ratings and identify defects across the county’s footpath network, enabling the Council to prioritise repairs and upgrades that support active travel and accessibility. By delivering reliable data, the system helps reduce public liability risks, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and ensure that investment is directed where it is needed most. Lifecycle modelling will further allow long-term planning for sustainable footpath maintenance.

This initiative aligns with DLR’s strategic objectives under its Corporate Plan 2025–2029 and Climate Action Plan 2024–2029, supporting goals such as improved connectivity, climate resilience, and efficient use of public funds. The data will enable lifecycle modelling and scheme identification, helping the Council plan long-term maintenance strategies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030.It will help identify opportunities to upgrade the existing road and footway network to withstand extreme weather and provide new footpaths, improve drainage systems across the road network, and enhance maintenance of stormwater, surface water, and gully networks.