The Deansgrange Cycle Scheme is an example of sustainable urban design that emphasises active travel infrastructure while promoting environmental conservation and heritage preservation. The scheme provides dedicated facilities for both walking and cycling along Kill Lane and Deansgrange Road, offering safe and sustainable transportation options for local residents, commuters, and school users. The integration of these facilities not only encourages a healthier lifestyle but also reduces reliance on private vehicles, supporting the move towards sustainable transportation.
The scheme provides dedicated facilities for both walking and cycling along Kill Lane and Deansgrange Road, offering safe and sustainable transportation options for local residents, commuters, and school users. The integration of these facilities not only encourages a healthier lifestyle but also reduces reliance on private vehicles, supporting the move towards sustainable transportation.
The cycle scheme plays a critical role in linking two larger proposed walking and cycling routes within the DLRCC Active Travel Schemes. The Park to Park Route which extends from Blackrock to the Loughlinstown – Deansgrange Greenway and the Mountains to Metals Route which connects Sandyford to Dalkey.
These connections enhance the area’s accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, offering a more cohesive and comprehensive sustainable transport network.
Deansgrange Road, traditionally dominated by cars, has been upgraded with a focus on active travel and public transport users. Key changes include: (i) Removal of on-street car parking in favour of a two-way segregated cycle track, providing a safer and more attractive environment for cyclists. (ii) Improved bus stops, priority junctions, and signalised crossings are part of the upgrade, further supporting multi-modal transport and reducing car dependence in the area.
The project encourages the use of sustainable modes of transport, making it easier and safer for people to walk or cycle to work, school, or other local destinations. This shift helps to reduce carbon emissions, contributing to the broader goal of reducing traffic congestion and promoting environmentally friendly transportation.
The project integrates circular economy principles by focusing on reduce, reuse, and recycle. Examples include: (i) The retention of existing footpaths along the western side of Deansgrange Road, minimising the need for new materials and reducing environmental impact associated with construction. This also reduces haulage traffic and landfill disposal. (ii) For the Deansgrange Cemetery entrances, existing railings and stonework were preserved, relocated, and reused. This effort not only supports carbon reduction but also ensures that the scheme remains in keeping with the heritage and character of the cemetery, respecting its historical value.
By re-purposing spaces for active travel, the scheme not only reduces reliance on fossil fuel-based transport but also promotes a healthier, more vibrant urban space for residents and visitors. The scheme also fosters a renewal of the cemetery by improving connectivity and facilities, encouraging greater footfall from a broader catchment area, which may not have previously visited due to limited access and lack of suitable infrastructure.
Active Travel Promotion: The scheme provides a safer, more accessible environment for walking and cycling, which supports healthier lifestyles and reduces the environmental footprint of transport.
Carbon Reduction: The repurposing of space and the reuse of materials significantly lower carbon emissions compared to traditional road-building methods.
Heritage Preservation: Careful integration of historical elements ensures that the scheme respects and enhances the cultural landscape.
In conclusion, the Deansgrange Cycle Scheme is a prime example of how urban infrastructure projects can be designed to improve sustainability, foster community engagement, and respect the environment while also providing long-term benefits for public health and mobility.
Project Director
