Government TDs clash over reopening of park to traffic

THE decision to reopen most entry gates to the Phoenix Park to traffic has sparked a row between two Government TDs.

The gates to the park have been closed to vehicles since March to make it safer for the increased number of recreational users during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Office of Public Works this week announced that all the park’s gates, with the exception of Knockmaroon Gate, would reopen with effect from yesterday.

Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan complained that the decision had turned every route through the park ‘into a rat run’.

During the period of reduced traffic, Ms Hourigan – a regular user of the park – felt she could ‘let go of her disabled daughter’s hand for the first time’.

However, the new Minister for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, said the gates were closed as an ‘emergency measure’ in the midst of a pandemic and that the park is a ‘commuter route’ for many people living as far as Longford and Westmeath.

The Fine Gael TD said the OPW had started a ‘proper consultation’ to get data on the amount of traffic that passes through the park. Ms Hourigan said ‘so many people across Dublin are so disappointed and completely puzzled’ by the decision.