Walkinstown roundabout €2m project could be revisited in February
By Maurice Garvey
LONG awaited plans for the Walkinstown roundabout could be revisited in February once the National Transport Authority complete a study on bus corridors in the city.
Proposals first reported in The Echo in 2016, could see the approach to Walkinstown roundabout reduced from three lanes to two lanes, and the introduction of pedestrian and cyclist lanes.
Six roads link into the network, making Walkinstown roundabout one of the busiest in Dublin.
The NTA are funding the €2 million project with South Dublin County Council set to carry out the road works.
Social Democrat Councillor Dermot Looney welcomes plans to improve safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, but said a major concern was the lack of consultation with local businesses and representatives.
“What upset people at the time was the lack of consultation with councillors and the business community in any meaningful way,” said Cllr Looney.
“We all have a stake in this and want to be involved. This is one of the busiest roundabouts not an NTA road. Plans have been there for longer than two years, maybe four or five. The Dublin Bus draft plan for 2018 is due in February, which will include their usage of roundabouts.
“When completed, this will feed into SDCC. Walkinstown roundabout has a lot of different uses, and buses including the 27, 9 and 56A. I think Dublin Bus might provide more 27 routes. The idea before was making three approach lanes into two, and moving pedestrian crossings closer.”
In response to Cllr Looney’s question at a recent area meeting, South Dublin County Council said the NTA study is “due for public consultation in the first quarter of 2018.”
During a presentation to Dublin City Council in 2015, SDCC officials said works are required to tackle a “chaotic roundabout.”
The left lane on approaches to the roundabout were considered ineffective, with cars “sitting out” waiting to enter the roundabout and “cutting off lanes.”
Plans at the time included wider pedestrian crossings, cycle lanes, and wider pedestrian footpaths.
The NTA did not respond to The Echo at the time of going to print.
