Phoenix Park Conservation Management Plan

Principal Issues
Traffic
Notwithstanding recent traffic management measures, the Park continues to be used as a primary means
of access to the city from the west and the large volumes of traffic (10 million car journeys per year)
significantly diminish the character of the Park as a historic landscape and reduce the enjoyment of other
Park users. This issue arises from shortcomings in the strategic transportation network for Dublin and is
emphasised in the 2006 Phoenix Park Transportation Study in which three areas of concern were highlighted:
• General traffic levels which are such as to cause extreme pressure in various areas of the Park.
• The need for a comprehensive parking policy, which would restrict commuter parking, and provide for
visitor needs.
• The need to increase public transport access to the Park.
3.3 Policy Issues and Legal Status
There are fundamental policy issues that need to be addressed and there is a need for greater clarity in respect
of the official status and role of the Park, arising from:
• the lack of adequate legislative protection and regulation;
• uncertainty about future State development within the Park;
• complex tenancy arrangements for various users within the Park;
• potentially conflicting roles of the Office of Public Works as a multi-functional agency of the State;
• general development and social pressures arising from the urban context of the Park; and
• imprecision as to the authority and responsibilities of the various bodies, agencies and stakeholders
within the Park.
The level of statutory protection for The Phoenix Park is a primary concern. The Phoenix Park Act 1925 is
outdated and is in urgent need of amendment to afford adequate protection to the Park in the 21 st century.
Its status as a National Historic Park raises awareness of its significance but it is not supported by any
internationally recognised designation. While many of the buildings and other structures are protected, this
status does not extend to all of the structures throughout the Park. However, the Deer Park is listed as an
archaeological complex under the National Monuments Acts. The question of appropriate designation and
protection therefore remains an important issue.
18
THE PHOENIX PARK CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN