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Phoenix Park Review Looks To B...

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Phoenix Park Review Looks To Boost Visitor Numbers

Brendan O'Loughlin
Brendan O'Loughlin

02:29 19 Mar 2019


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A new report into the future of Phoenix Park has made 29 recommendations to boost visitor numbers.

The Office of Public Works, Fáilte Ireland and The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht are leading the review.

They have looked at the current visitor experience, and opportunities for development and enhancement.

The review looks to divide the 1750 acre park into five quarters.

"Unlike previous studies and review documents of the Phoenix Park, this document focuses on character areas in the context of visitor experiences and how these can potentially be improved upon".

The Welcome Quarter

New visitor buildings, and a more stripped-back entrance could be created at Parkgate Street.

"We envisage an opportunity for a clean paved surface, free of the overt trappings of vehicular traffic".

A statue "may be positioned at the crest of the hill to reproduce the theatrical effect of figure and silhouette to provide a measure of drama".

The Central Line

The central line runs along Chesterfield Avenue, and could include temporary and permanent art installations.

Teams also want to install seating areas, sundecks, fountains and picnic tables.

A circuit training layout, children’s activities and refreshment kiosks could also be developed.

Pedestrians, cyclists and roller-bladers will be given priority with potential room for skateboarding.

A series of quieter spaces off the Line for sitting in different landscaped atmospheres to view the moving life of the park.

The Activity Quarter

A new education centre could be created in an existing exhibition building.

An outdoor adventure area and nature trail could be created using hard and soft landscaping.

The Biodiversity Quarter

A new welcome area, including visitor building could be created in the Biodiversity Quarter.

Educational, recreational and leisure facilities could also be developed in the space.

The Commemorative Quarter

In the space known as The Commemorative Quarter, this plan would see the Magazine Fort enhcnaced.

The draft report also pushes for a proposed bridge connecting the War Memorial Gardens to be built.

A study of the relationship between Phoenix Park and Farmleigh to maximising visitor numbers has also been proposed.

Phoenix Park Review Feedback

Minister for the OPW, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran hopes the plan will cement Phoenix Park's place as "One of the truly great parks of the world".

He also said "the unique features that comprise the Phoenix Park will be conserved and protected".

Head of Attractions at Fáilte Ireland, Mary Stack, said there is "major potential for the park to evolve as a world-class visitor attraction".

Public feedback "will guide the future development" and open up a "wealth of stories", she said.

The Draft Review will be on public display until April 12th, and you can give feedback on it here.

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