A public consultation on the pedestrianisation of Capel Street earlier this year found that the vast majority of respondents said their experience of the street has improved since it was closed to vehicle traffic and I was one of those people.
My understanding is that Dublin City Council has engaged the services of BSLA [Bernard Seymour Landscape Architects] to landscape the street and a public meetings have been arranged for next Tuesday and Wednesday.
Following a tender process, Bernard Seymour Landscape Architects have been invited to design an interim street improvement scheme to be installed before the summer. These designers are based on Mary’s Abbey, just off Capel Street and have extensive knowledge of the street.
The first stage in this process is to hold a workshop with councilors, local residents and local businesses to gain their views on what would work for the street. This is due to be held in the Capel Street area in mid-November and councilors, residents and businesses will be invited to participate. Following this initial workshop, a design will be advanced and further workshops will be held with the local community. This process will be driven by a collaborative approach.
A Shopfront Improvement Scheme is to be launched to encourage property owners and tenants to reinvigorate their business facades – painting, flower boxes, improved signage etc.
The junction of Ryders Row and Capel Street will undergo a greening enhancement in January 2023 to make this entrance into Capel Street more welcoming.
The City Council in partnership with the Dublin North Inner City Local Community Safety Partnership and DublinTown will be piloting a new pro social community warden scheme in the Capel Street and Wolfetone Park areas. The wardens will work with stakeholders including Gardai, City Council, Businesses and Residents on identifying areas for improvement, pop up events, advising shoppers/tourists on activities and places to see.
This year a small Christmas Tree has been installed on Capel Street towards the southern end of the street later this month.