Traffic & Parking Reset
A structured proposal for safer, calmer, and more operationally effective village streets, evaluated against measured performance.
The Problem
Coolock's historic Main Street currently faces multiple traffic and safety issues. As a two-way road, it suffers from constant friction: buses and trucks struggle to pass each other, causing jams, and drivers often speed up to "beat" oncoming traffic at pinch points. This two-way setup means turning vehicles block traffic and risk collisions.
Parking is another persistent issue. Few marked spaces lead to double-parking or mounting the footpath, endangering pedestrians. Pedestrian crossings are often unsafe, and residents on side streets find it hard to exit. The village core functions as a busy thoroughfare rather than a community centre.
What Will Change
We propose a set of coordinated changes, a "Traffic & Parking Reset", to be evaluated against current measured performance across the village.
One-Way Traffic Flow
The main road through the village will be converted to one-way northbound. This removes head-on conflict between vehicles. Drivers entering from the Mask Avenue/Oscar Traynor junction can travel up through the village, while southbound traffic diverts around. Emergency vehicles retain full access.
Angled Parking with Resident Priority
Moving to one-way frees up road width for angled parking bays (approx 45-degree angle) along the western side. This increases capacity from approximately 8 to 14 spaces in a 100m stretch. A Residential Parking Permit system will prioritise locals, while retaining some short-stay spots for businesses. Angled parking is safer as cars do not protrude into traffic.
Raised, Safer Crossings
A raised "continuous footpath" crossing at St. Brendan's Church will be evaluated for impact on pedestrian safety. The entire crosswalk area will be elevated, slowing cars and prioritising pedestrians. This design is intended to make drivers feel like guests in a pedestrian zone, improving safety for elderly residents and schoolchildren.
Brookville Park as a Bike-Priority Street
Brookville Park will be designated as a Bike-Priority Street. Cars are "guests" and through-traffic is discouraged. This creates a safe route for cyclists, including students, avoiding the busier Main Street.
Local Access & Connectivity
Slip Lane: A small one-way slip road at the south end for local access only (Residents, Buses, Deliveries).
Chanel Road Turn: Enabling a left-turn from Malahide Road (northbound) into Chanel Road to improve connectivity for locals.
The Trial Process (Section 38)
This is being implemented under a Section 38 trial, which is experimental and reversible.
- Consultation (4-6 weeks): Collecting submissions from residents (Current Stage).
- Implementation (6 months): Changes implemented with temporary materials. Data collection on traffic, speeds, and parking.
- Review & Decision: Based on evidence and feedback, the Council will decide to Keep, Modify, or Remove the scheme.
"It's like a dress rehearsal for the village. If it doesn't work, we go back to the drawing board with no harm done."
Governance, Stress Testing and Operational Safeguards
Structural design alone is not sufficient. The following sections address junction risk, parking integrity, existing non-compliance, measurable trial outcomes, and business input. These are not aspirational. They are operational requirements.
Oscar Traynor Road Interface Risk
The right turn onto Oscar Traynor Road currently experiences congestion during PM peak, sometimes requiring multiple signal cycles. A one-way northbound configuration increases directional flow into this junction and must not create a downstream bottleneck.
Required Actions
- Request formal junction capacity modelling from Dublin City Council
- Publish pre-trial baseline queue length data
- Require signal timing review prior to trial activation
- Establish congestion trigger thresholds requiring intervention
Any trial that increases peak congestion beyond current baseline levels must be adjusted or suspended.
Parking Integrity and EV Charging Transparency
The proposed angled parking increases total physical spaces from approximately 8 to 14. It is important that this increase is not negated by exclusive EV charging allocation.
Parking Allocation
EV bays will operate under a shared-use model unless otherwise agreed through formal consultation.
Parking increases must be real, measurable, and publicly reportable.
Immediate Flow Correction: Post Office Bottleneck
Illegal parking on double yellow lines near the Post Office materially constrains lane width and impairs flow. Before structural reconfiguration, enforcement and design correction should be implemented and measured.
Proposed Corrections
- Targeted enforcement period with visible outcomes
- Temporary bollards or kerb delineation
- Timed loading bay restructuring
Traffic inefficiencies already present in the Village must not be attributed to proposed redesign without first correcting existing non-compliance.
Section 38 Trial Performance Framework
A structured trial requires structured measurement. The following indicators should be collected before, during, and after the trial period.
Measurable Indicators
Trial performance data should be made publicly available to residents and traders.
Local Business Input
"Change is welcome, but it must work operationally, not just visually."
The plan will evolve in consultation with traders during trial monitoring. Operational impacts on deliveries, customer access, and parking turnover will be tracked and addressed through the trial period.
Coolock Village is a physically signposted and officially referenced village core. Any redesign must strengthen its commercial viability, safety, and accessibility without exporting congestion to adjoining junctions.
Share this proposal
Help spread the word in your local community groups.
Support the Trial
Your voice matters. Here is how you can help this plan move forward:
- Submit Feedback: Email [email protected] supporting the "Coolock Village Main Street trial".
- Contact Local Reps:Coolock is in the Artane-Whitehall Ward.Find your Councillors Northside Civic Centre
- Spread the Word: Talk to neighbours and share on local groups.
Key Outcomes Under Evaluation
- Reduced traffic congestion
- Increased parking for residents
- Improved safety for children and elderly
- Measurable trial performance data
- Transparent governance and reporting
Have Your Say
We want to hear from you. Your input goes straight into the official Section 38 public consultation record.