5: Accessibility and Connectivity
3. Junction Mary Street and Capel Street
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1. This junction is the centre of activity on Capel Street and has the greatest concentration of pedestrian activity. The closure of Mary Street and Mary’s Lane to traffic and the creation of a shared street surface, which maintains traffic flows along Capel Street, would offer a much more effective solution to this space and would remove the need for the confusing signal crossing with its signal box and associated road signage. With reduced inflows onto the Capel Street, a single lane for traffic becomes entirely manageable, allowing for greater stretches of double paving along either side of the street, replacing existing car parking bays. 2. The AIB premises is one of the least attractive buildings on Capel Street, yet it unfortunately terminates the view to Capel Street from Henry Street. The dead frontage of this building to both Capel Street and Mary’s Lane should be addressed. In the longer term, imaginative proposals to remodel the building should be considered. 3. There is a lack of directional signage and information at this important junction. A map and fingerpost unit should be erected as part of the ‘wayfinder signage’ currently being erected by Dublin City Council around the city. The signage should highlight the Markets, the walking route to Smithfield and the Collins Barracks Museum and some of the more important attractions in the area such as St. Michan’s Church and St. Mary’s Abbey Chapter House. This is an ideal opportunity to encourage passers-by to explore the area.
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