12 December 2019
Please find document detailing the analysis of the observations received in respect of the Draft Phoenix Park Visitor Experience Strategic Review below. We wish to thank everyone who took the time to contact us.
Analysis of submissions received 2019 English version pdf
Analysis of submissions received 2019 Irish version pdf
Please also find the Behaviour & Analysis study mentioned in the above document.
Behaviour & Analysis Study, Phoenix Park & Visitor Centre 2017 pdf.
28 November 19
Analysis of Submissions in respect of the Draft Phoenix Park Visitor Experience Strategic Review
In the coming weeks, OPW will publish a report on the submissions received from the public, local communities and stakeholders in relation to the Draft Phoenix Park Visitor Experience Strategic Review which was published earlier this year.
The first step will be to meet with elected representatives, councillors and officials from both Fingal Co Council and Dublin City Council to share our analysis of the submissions received. The report will then be made available for download on the Phoenix Park website www.phoenixpark.ie on Thursday 12 December.
OPW will endeavour to contact all those who made written observations or submissions to provide them with a link to this report. A limited number of hard copies of the report will be available at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. OPW offers its sincere thanks to all those who made submissions for their invaluable insights. We look forward to continued engagement with our local communities and stakeholders in the period ahead.
Rosemary Collier,
Head of National Historic Properties
Context
The Phoenix Park is Europe’s largest city park, comprising 1750 acres. It was first opened to the public in 1747 as a place of enjoyment for all the citizens of Dublin. Today, the Park is enjoyed by 10 million local, national and international visitors annually.
The Park plays a central role in the life of Dublin city and is itself a diverse microcosm. Not only is it a sanctuary from the city but it is an important sports, recreation and public amenity and is home to a range of institutions such as Dublin Zoo, An Garda Siochána, the US Ambassador’s Residence and Áras an Uachtaráin. As the World’s urban population will double from 3.5 billion to over 7 billion in the next 40 years, parks and open spaces will become ever-more critical elements in the creation of vibrant cities and healthy communities. The Phoenix Park will therefore be central to how Dublin city continues to evolve as a great place to live, work and visit.
Review of Visitor Experience – Draft Report
In 2018, the Office of Public Works, together with its strategic partners Fáilte Ireland and The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, commissioned an independent review of the current visitor experience in the Phoenix Park and assessment of future opportunities for the development and enhancement of the Park.
The ‘Draft Phoenix Park Visitor Experience Strategic Review’ examines five distinct zones in the Park and considers themes of welcome, history and heritage, activity and well being, identity, biodiversity and connectivity with the city to assess the current and future potential visitor experience at the Phoenix Park. The report sets out 29 distinct recommendations, which, if implemented would increase the Park’s contribution to Ireland’s tourism economy while at the same time ensure that the unique character of the Phoenix Park would be conserved and protected for the enjoyment of generations to come.
The Office of Public Works now invites the public to consider its exciting vision for the future of the Phoenix Park and welcomes observations and comments on these proposals.
How you can participate
Public Information Period – Have your say
Exhibition now extended until Wednesday 29th May 2019 at 5pm.
Observations can be made no later than Friday 31st May 2019 at 5pm.
An exhibition on the key recommendation in the draft report will be in place until Wednesday 29th May, between 9.30am and 5.30pm daily, at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, Ashtown Demesne. A full draft report will also be available to view.
Draft Executive summary (PDF)
A Visitor Experience Strategic Review for the Phoenix Park (PDF)
Observations with respect to the draft report can be made to visitorpark@opw.ie or sent to the address below:
Cathy Mahon
Office of Public Works
Heritage Services
Dublin Castle
Dublin 2
D02 V240
no later than Friday 31st May 2019 at 5pm.