The Draft Markets Public Realm Plan (2026)
Help shape the future of the Markets Area
Dublin City Council is preparing a Draft Public Realm Plan for the Markets Area.
The plan sets out a long-term vision for streets, lanes, parks and public spaces in the area. It aims to improve accessibility, support walking and cycling, enhance public spaces and protect the area's unique character and heritage.
The Markets Area is changing through new investment and redevelopment. This plan will help guide those changes and ensure public spaces are designed to meet the needs of residents, businesses, workers, students and visitors.
We would like to hear your views before the plan is finalised.
Documents
What is the public realm?
The public realm includes all places that people can access freely, including:
- Streets
- Footpaths
- Lanes
- Parks
- Squares
- Bridges
- Other public spaces between buildings
The plan looks at how these spaces can work better for everyone.
What are the aims of the plan?
The Markets Area Public Realm Plan aims to:
- Create a shared long-term vision for the area.
- Improve streets and public spaces.
- Make the area more accessible and inclusive.
- Support walking and cycling.
- Protect the historic character of the Markets Area.
- Improve connections between key destinations.
- Work with local communities and stakeholders.
- Coordinate future investment and development.
Who should take part?
We want to hear from:
- Residents
- Business owners
- Community groups
- Workers
- Students
- Visitors
- People with disabilities
- Walking and cycling groups
- Anyone who uses the Markets Area
Proposed Improvements
Greener streets
The plan proposes additional planting, trees and landscaping in selected streets and public spaces.
Improved walking routes
The plan seeks to make walking routes safer, easier to navigate and more accessible.
Better public spaces
New and improved public spaces are proposed for residents, visitors and local businesses.
Improved accessibility
The plan aims to create streets and spaces that are easier to use for people of all ages and abilities.
Connections across the area
The plan seeks to prioritise the pedestrian by making walking routes safer. easier to navigate and more accessible. It proposes new and improved public spaces for residents. visitors and local businesses.. The proposals aim to strengthen links between the City Centre and the Markets Area, identifying quiet routes onward to Smithfield, Collins Barracks and the wider city centre.
Phases
Survey
The Markets area is in transition from the traditional wholesale market uses through public and private investment in regeneration. A key project, the refurbishment of the Market Building is well advanced. Dublin City Council is now proposing plans for the network of street and space in the area. We welcome, new ideas, comments, and observations about the proposals.
Why your opinion matters
Your view will help shape the future of your area. This consultation seeks to align proposals with the needs and aspirations of local communities. Your feedback will guide the next steps and help to ensure the projects meet the needs and preferences of residents and businesses in the area.
Have your say
Share your ideas preferences and priorities through our public consultation process. All responses will be carefully reviewed and considered as part of the final document. Submission can be made by
- Filling out the online survey
- In writing by sending by post, marked ‘Markets Area Public Consultation’ to Planning Dept, Block 4 Floor 3, civic Offices Dublin 8
- Attending a drop in session at MACRO Centre Green Street Dublin 7 between 4 and 8 pm
- Attending an Online Webinar – details to be confirmed
What happens next
- Submissions will be considered and reflected in the Final document
- It will be reviewed internally by Dublin City Council Stakeholders
- Final Plan will be circulated to Councillor’s and listed on the City Council Agenda
Events
Past events
Event date: September 30th, 2026 from 15:00 to 19:00.
Macro Community Resource Centre