LAST UPDATE | 12 Oct

CONTRACTORS FOR THE National Transport Authority (NTA) have felled a number of mature trees in Phibsborough on Dublin’s northside.

As part of BusConnects, a major overhaul of the capital’s bus routes, a new underpass for pedestrians and cyclists is being built at Blaquiere Bridge on the North Circular Road, beside Phibsborough Library.

Phibsborough Library garden with mature trees, captured by Google Streetview in September 2024. Google Streetview Google Streetview

The contractors carrying out the works have told local residents and councillors that a “comprehensive” replanting and landscaping programme will take place.

BusConnects includes plans for a new walking and cycling route from the newly redeveloped Royal Canal greenway along Royal Canal Bank towards the Blessington Street Basin, passing under the North Circular at Blaquiere Bridge.

CGI of the new cycling and walking route under the North Circular Road at Phibsborough Library. Transport for Ireland Transport for Ireland

Blaquiere Bridge was a bridge until 1930 when a spur of the Royal Canal leading down to Broadstone – along the quiet street and linear park now known as Royal Canal Bank – was filled in.

A number of mature trees have been cut down in the garden outside Phibsborough Library to make way for the works, with further works planned on the opposite side of the North Circular.

The NTA said the Phibsborough Volunteer Statue in the area is “a priority for safe keeping” and will be moved into storage for the duration of the construction works, after which it will be reintroduced to the area.

The Finnegans Wake Footpath artwork, located adjacent to Phibsborough Library, will be “carefully lifted, removed and reinstated in a new location within the library grounds to facilitate the works”, the NTA added.

Both artefacts will be monitored and recorded before removal and after reinstatement.

The area outside Phibsborough Library this afternoon.

In a video about the project posted by public transport agency Transport for Ireland on social media, Anthony Sheehy, senior project manager for BusConnects Dublin, said the route into the city would hopefully be “handed back to the community in a better condition than we’ve received it”.

In a letter to some residents and to local representatives, Graham – the NTA’s contractor – acknowledged that the felling of trees can be a concern for local residents.

“This project includes a comprehensive replanting and landscaping programme to enhance the local environment, as part of the planning approval granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála,” Graham said.

It indicated environmental and ecological checks were undertaken before works commenced.

An 1837 depiction of the now backfilled Royal Canal spur at Blaquiere Bridge. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

In a second update to locals, the contractors said works will continue this week between 7.30am and 11am on the opposite side of the North Circular Road.

Feljin Jose, a Green Party councillor for the area, said it was “really sad” to see the mature trees felled, even though they will be replaced. He added that BusConnects will also see new trees planted along the Phibsborough Road, and no further tree felling is planned beyond Blaquiere Bridge.

The underpass is needed as a safer alternative for pedestrians and cyclists to the highly congested Doyle’s Corner junction of the Phibsborough and North Circular Roads.

“Once complete, the scheme will improve the local public space and create safer, more convenient routes for pedestrians and cyclists travelling to and from the city,” the NTA promised.