Dublin Blockers

Sun, Jul 1, 2018

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The Dublin Blockers activists believe that streets must be for the use of people first and that the current management and policy of both local authorities and national government do not achieve this.

Dublin Blockers

Footpaths are for feet: big and small, using walking aids or wheelchairs, white canes or prams. A great many factors can rob Dubliners of their use of the city’s streets: the amount of cars commuting into the city has spiralled in the last decade1; our household waste collections result in large bins pulled across pavements; dog fouling continues, footpaths are often badly broken and places and businesses use the civic realm for advertising. Our city can do better for the people who live and work here.

Streets for People

We contend that the very first priority for local authorities in managing the public realm must be to support pedestrians to use and enjoy the places where they live at all times of the day. This means providing a safe, pleasant, well maintained and sustainable environment for people of all ages and abilities.

Everybody Counts

We believe that a public space that is not suitable for the most vulnerable amongst us is not a public space at all. All public footpaths, streets, squares and developments should be designed with Universal Access in mind and comply with the nationally recognised Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) government guidance.

We Can All Win

A fully integrated strategy for street usage that recognises the balance of rights and needs of all groups and provides for them appropriately would benefit everyone in Dublin City. Better and more comprehensive cycling infrastructure would see less cyclist flout road rules endangering pedestrians; more frequent and accessible public transport would make life easier for commuters and less cars would reduce air pollution for families living in the city centre.

We propose the following: