Walkway’s €250k makeover to improve safety after dark

By Mary Dennehy

THE walkway connecting The Square shopping centre with the Belgard Road and the High Street has re-opened after a substantial €250,000 revamp was carried out by South Dublin County Council.

Due to ongoing maintenance issues with the walkway and its canopy, which was in a poor state of repair and in danger of becoming a health and safety hazard, the council embarked on a complete refurbishment of the walkway.

In recent years, the appearance of the walkway’s blue canopy also sparked complaints from residents alongside concerns over the lack of visibility and public lightening when walking through the area in the evenings.

When asked about the benefits of the upgrade, the council this week told The Echo: “The vision of the upgrade was to create a more streamlined streetscape between The Square shopping centre, Belgard Road and the High Street towards Tallaght Village.

“The works will encourage more pedestrian traffic between the above locations, thereby encouraging more footfall for local business.

“The existing pedestrian crossings on both the Belgard Square East and Belgard Road were also upgraded to improve pedestrian safety and new public lighting was also installed as part of the scheme.

“This will also improve safety, reduce anti-social behaviour after dark and further encourage more footfall between The Square and Tallaght Village in the evenings.”

The landscaping was also significantly reconfigured to visually open up the walkway and further add to the “perception of safety for pedestrians throughout the day and evening”.

Concluding the council said: “The scheme was carried out as part of our ongoing Villages Initiative as approved by the elected members of South Dublin County Council and was resourced by South Dublin County Council. The cost was €250,000 including VAT.”

A formal opening of the walkway is being planned by the council.