New traffic management measures for Dublin's Phoenix Park would include restrictions on commuter car traffic, as well as a bus service inside the park for the first time, under new proposals.
Other measures would involve the closure of side roads to through traffic, a 30km/h speed limit and improved walking and cycling facilities in the 700 hectare green space.
The Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options study was requested following controversy over the reopening of side gates to car traffic last summer after Covid-19 restrictions were eased.
The Office of Public Works had announced that the side gates would remain closed to cars to protect the park's status as the city's "green lung".
This was overruled by Minister of State Patrick O'Donovan, who said access was for needed for workers and to stop traffic being diverted into surrounding areas.
A preferred option for dealing with conflicting demands in the park is now understood to have been agreed.
Minister O'Donovan said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has brought home to many the benefits to be enjoyed in a space like this, which is very precious and especially valuable in a large urban centre such as Dublin city."
It is understood that under the new proposals, Chesterfield Avenue will remain open for commuter traffic, but alongside a 30km/h limit and pedestrian crossing points.
The side roads would be closed to through traffic by a mixture of cul-de-sacs and road closures, but still allow access for the 2,000 people who work in the park in institutions, such as Garda Headquarters, St Mary's Hospital and Ordnance Survey of Ireland.
There would be restricted access through the side gates with the Knockmaroon Gate only allowing cars a short distance inside the park, while the Cabra gate would be used only by the new bus service.
The bus service would run in an orbital route taking in Dublin Zoo and the Phoenix Park visitor's centre and connecting with other bus services, Luas and rail connections at Broombridge and Heuston Stations.
Although there was a pilot bus shuttle in 2008, this would be the first regular bus service inside the park as buses currently let passengers off at the gates.
The bus service is being seen as a way of improving access while reducing reliance on car travel.
There would need to be a new strategy for car parking, but the removal of parking spaces along Chesterfield Avenue will be made permanent.
These parking spaces are being used by commuters were converted into cycle lanes as part of Covid-19 mobility measures. which saw a 33% increase in cycling and pedestrian space overall.
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These proposals would almost double the amount of dedicated cycleways, with an extra 14km of track while upgrading the existing 17km.
The report was drawn up by the OPW in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council.
The brief stipulated that that the wildlife and biodversity of the park had to be protected and that commuter through traffic would be discouraged over time.
The preferred option will go for public consultation from 29 January to 12 March with a final report due in April and it is hoped to implement the plan in phases.
Provisions such as the 30km speed limit and the bus service could be introduced with the first year, but other changes, such as a cul-de-sac on Knockmaroon Road, could take up to seven years.
