Locals in Drumcondra have been campaigning for measures to reduce traffic on the narrow road, which they say has become a “rat run”.
Last year, a video was widely circulated on social media showing cars and HGVs mounting the footpath, forcing children and pedestrians to step aside.
The Richmond Road and Grace Park Avenue Residents Association recently met with local councillors to share video evidence of “speeding” and “aggressive driving” taking place.
Safety fears for children over cars mounting footpaths on Richmond Road
Green Party councillor Donna Cooney, Labour Party councillor Alison Field, and Independent councillor Barry Heneghan were among those to hear their concerns.
“The issues that stood out most were the high speeds along Richmond Road, with cars reportedly reaching up to 70kmph in areas where speeds should be around 30-35kmph,” Cllr Heneghan said.
“The level of aggressive driving and vehicles mounting the footpaths to bypass traffic or drive faster was particularly concerning, as it creates significant risk for pedestrians and children on their way to school.”
The three councillors supported a motion, which has now passed, for a more liveable street with added greenery and the possibility of temporary filtered permeability from Grace Park Road to Drumcondra Road.
The council has also agreed to an on-site meeting with relevant departments and local representatives to assess the situation with residents directly.
This meeting will be a key step in exploring traffic calming measures, potential temporary filtered permeability, and longer-term redesigns.
Councillors Field and Heneghan both called for immediate solutions, such as additional speed signs or temporary speed bumps to reduce traffic speed in the short term.
In the longer term, the council is considering filtered permeability measures, which would reduce through-traffic and discourage the street from being used as a rat-run, along with redesigning the street to improve safety for residents.
In a written response, Catalin Rosca, local area engineer for the north-central area of Dublin City Council, said: “The Transport Advisory Group produced a report on the health and safety concerns at the western end of Richmond Road.
“This report was circulated to elected members, the area office, and residents, and a subsequent meeting was held at the Coolock Area Office on Bunratty Road to discuss it.
“Following this, the Transport Advisory Group proposed and implemented a Pay & Display/Permit Parking (P&D/PP) scheme on Richmond Road, between Drumcondra Road and Grace Park Road, to address traffic and safety issues.
“Considering the above, the Transport Advisory Group has no further plans for work in this area, but will continue to monitor the situation,” she added.
However, a further reply from the local area manager, Mick Carroll, said: “A site meeting will be arranged in the coming weeks with the Area Office to initially gain an understanding of the wishes of local residents.”
