Client: DúnLaoghaire Rathdown County Council
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council sought DBFL’s expertise to deliver one of the county’s most exciting and ambitious active travel projects ever proposed. The DLR Connector Active Travel Scheme aims to provide safe, high-quality walking and cycling infrastructure whilst also incorporating design features that will positively impact the public realm and support a shift towards a low-carbon, climate resilient transport network
The DLR Connector is an 8.5km long cross county route extending from the western county boundary on Barton Road East right through to Monkstown Avenue, whilst connecting 3 large towns namely Dundrum, Stillorgan and Dún Laoghaire. The project will tie into several upgraded sections which have been recently completed, under construction or planned.
The scheme design incorporates upgrades to several major junctions, including protected roundabouts and protected (CYCLOPS) signalised junctions. Junction reconfigurations will release significant green space which will become new pocket parks with seating, cycle parking, substantial new tree planting, wildflower meadows, rain gardens and informal play areas.
New modal filters are proposed at key points which will help to reduce car traffic, making the route more attractive for walking, wheeling and cycling, especially for children accessing local schools, as well as improving air and noise quality for local residents. The scheme design incorporates nature based solutions and SUDS features wherever possible, along with new tree planting, areas of pollinator and biodiversity friendly planting and rain gardens.
The scheme passes through Dundrum village where the physically constrained nature of the existing street environment proved particularly challenging. Following extensive consideration of the possible options, it was concluded that the prioritisation of sustainable modes, including bus priority measures, was the most appropriate solution
Project Director
