Grow College Green is being led by Dublin City Council in partnership with the National Transport Authority, supported by a multi-disciplinary design team headed by Scott Tallon Walker Architects and OKRA Landscape Architects, alongside specialists in urban design and planning, lighting, heritage, community engagement, and accessibility.
Three Pillars Guiding the Project
The vision for the College Green Public Realm Project is built around three core pillars:
The Vision for the Space
Under the proposal, the stretch from College Green to the junction with South Great George’s Street will become traffic-free. The vision is to create a series of world-class, multi-functional urban spaces that both reveal and resonate with the area’s rich heritage while unlocking better possibilities for day-to-day enjoyment, large events and a better civic life. Grow College Green aims to redesign the historic centre of Dublin and create a space for everyone. It will be a place to shop, work and celebrate, but also somewhere to pause, relax and feel connected to the city.
Responding to History
The project will respond sensitively to the existing built heritage and history of the area using materials which celebrate the character of the area, improving views of landmark buildings, including Trinity College and the Bank of Ireland, and restoring the sense of arrival and civic identity that this historically significant location deserves. This while ensuring the new space feels distinctly and authentically Dublin.
Movement, Accessibility, and Universal Design
The project aims to create a place that feels world class, which works for everyday life, is easy to move through, enjoyable to spend time in, and welcoming from morning to night.
Removing general traffic and creating a pedestrian and cyclist first environment will result in a space that is easier to navigate and which provides a place to pause, with the resulting reduction in ambient noise creating a greater sense of calm in the space. Clearer routes, better crossings, sensory cues, and tactile materials support confidence and independence for people of all ages and abilities.
Improved Green Cover and Climate Resilience
The creation of 1,400 square metres of planted areas, with 30% green cover, including the tree canopy, across the area will improve air quality, reduce noise and include the sound of water features, and increased bird song.
Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive of Dublin City Council, said of the updated design:
“Informed by users of the city, this project will transform how people experience the heart of the city. It will deliver wider, clearer and more legible routes for moving through the area, linking the north and south of the city centre along the civic spine; greener, more tranquil spaces to spend time; and a setting that supports everything from everyday activity to cultural events and major civic moments. By opening up views to our landmark buildings and weaving in the textures and stories of the past, the design will restore a real sense of importance to this historic location.”
Public and Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation
Since mid-2024, in conjunction with Dublin City Council and other members of the Design Team, we have worked with residents, businesses, students, children, and Disabled Persons Organisations to shape the design. Engagement has included public consultations, meetings, walkabouts, and drop in events. The updated design, together with detailed plans, visualisations and supporting materials, is available to view online at Engage.ie. Dublin City Council is now inviting public feedback, which will help inform the final design ahead of submission for statutory planning permission later this year. Submissions will be accepted until midnight on 11th March 2026.
