Cross Avenue & Environs Road Safety Improvement SchemeProposed changes to Mulgrave Street and Mulgrave Terrace

Dear Resident,

Following the receipt of a petition from the residents of Cross Avenue (and some adjoining roads) Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLR) undertook an investigation of the area. It was decided that a safety review should be undertaken.

At an initial stage in the review it was clear that if Cross Avenue was looked at in isolation that this would have a knock on effect to the other roads in the area. The study was widened to include all streets bounded by Georges Street / York Road / Tivoli Road / Mulgrave Street and Mulgrave Terrace. During the study, speed checks were carried out on the various roads and it was noted that on Mulgrave Street vehicles were travelling close to the speed limit (50kph). Given the residential nature of the road it was clear that Mulgrave Street should be included in the improvement scheme and that these speeds should be reduced to improve safety.

The proposed scheme was placed on public display on the 25th January until 4th March 2016. This scheme outlined the following changes to Mulgrave Street:

- Staggered parking between house numbers 54 and 57 (by moving a section of parking to the opposite side of the road) which would slow vehicles. This would result in the loss of 2 car parking spaces

- Raised tables at its junction with Cross Avenue and new uncontrolled pedestrian crossings

- Construction of two chicanes, one beside house numbers 38 and 39 and one beside house numbers 48 and 49. These chicanes would also incorporate planting and landscaping. These would result in the loss of 4 parking spaces

- Raised table at its junction with Northumberland Place and new uncontrolled pedestrian crossings

Following the representations received during the consultation it was clear that the lowering of vehicles speeds on Mulgrave Street and Mulgrave Terrace was welcomed but that there was significant concern over the proposed loss of parking spaces. For this reason the scheme was amended as follows:

- Removal of the chicanes (including the landscaping) and the provision of build outs (requiring removal of 2 parking spaces rather than 4)

These changes were proposed as part of the report to the Municipal Services Area Committee meeting on 25th April. Prior to the meeting additional representations were received and there was still concern over the loss of 4 spaces. It was agreed at the Meeting that the staggered parking between houses 54 and 57 would be removed and that an additional parking space would be provided on Mulgrave Street at the junction with

Northumberland Place. These changes would result in a loss of 1 space within the revised scheme (not 6).

On a number of occasions it was suggested that ramps would be a more appropriate traffic calming feature (than chicanes) as these would not require a loss of parking. This is not the case. If ramps were to be installed these ramps would be constructed kerb to kerb, rather than ending at the edge of the parking (to avoid cars driving around them to avoid the ramp). This would require the pay and display parking to be broken where these ramps were provided. A typical ramp is 6m wide and providing these ramps would require at least 4 parking spaces to be removed as 4 ramps would be required to replace the chicanes.

To further alleviate the concerns of residents, six new parking spaces are proposed for Mulgrave Terrace.

The various changes to the scheme are shown on the enclosed drawing: SK_010

We believe that the revised proposal which includes an overall increase in parking is an appropriate solution taking on board the concerns of residents.

Given the revised proposals for Mulgrave Street and Mulgrave Terrace, DLR is seeking feedback.

Submissions on the revised proposals for Mulgrave Street and Mulgrave Terrace can be sent to traffic@dlrcoco.ie or in writing to

Senior Engineer,Traffic and Road Safety Section,Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council,County Hall,Marine Road,Dun Laoghaire

Closing date for submissions is Wednesday 25th May 2016