Kilmainham Civic Space Improvement Scheme

Completed in late 2014, the Kilmainham Civic Space Improvement Scheme sought to transform the streetscape fronting Kilmainham Gaol and the neighbouring Courthouse in addition to the areas linkages with Kilmainham Hospital into a high quality public realm. The scheme sough to maximize the ‘place’ function of the area whilst respecting the local movement demands along both the Emmett Rd and South Circular corridors.

The extents of the scheme covered Civic Space Improvement Scheme on Inchicore Road and the immediate approaches leading to the area, including South Circular Road and Kilmainham Lane.The Kilmainham site which includes the designated National Monument of Kilmainham Courthouse is of enormous historical significance, with the Gaol now operating as a Visitor Centre currently attracting over 340,000 visitors per year with visitor figures expected to rise.

The need for the scheme arose due to the majority of visitors to the area currently accessing the site by public transport, private coach and walking, however access to the Gaol & Courthouse and connectivity between them and the Royal Hospital and IMMA was difficult due to the narrow footpaths and car dominance at the South Circular Road/Inchicore Road junction.

DBFL were subsequently commissioned by Dublin City Council to undertake a Quality Audit (which included a Stage 1/2 Road Safety Audit) with the objective of ensuring that (i) the proposed scheme could safety accommodate the significant conflicting demands generated by pedestrians, cyclists and vehicular traffic seeking to travel through the area, and (ii) from a socially inclusive design perspective the proposed scheme delivered an appropriate level of road safety for all users. The Quality Audit identified a total of 34 design recommendations with the objective of addressing road safety concerns and enhancing safety levels across the scheme.