Discussions have begun between Dublin City Council and the organisers of the Dublin Marathon over potential new routes around the City for next years and subsequent Marathons.
In a joint statement issued this afternoon they said:
“Dublin City Council and the Organisers of the Dublin Marathon have for many years worked in partnership together to deliver this important event to the city, in a safe and sustainable manner. The event and the associated required infrastructure has grown incrementally over time, as have the numbers of runners applying to take part in the event each year.”
“Concerns expressed by the National Transport Authority in recent years relating to the duration of road closures required to set up and maintain the start/finish area on Merrion Square North, and it’s negative effect on public transport in the area have led to a requirement to reconsider the use of Merrion Square North for future Dublin Marathons.”
“As with all events that take place in the public realm , Dublin City Council and the event organisers attempt to ensure that the best locations are used, that present the best experience for both participants, attendees and spectators, while ensuring that disruption to the day to day running of the City is minimised where possible.”
“With this in mind Dublin City Council and the organisers of Dublin Marathon are working together to consider viable options for next year’s event, preferably within the City Centre that will showcase the city and continue to provide the best experience for all those involved with the Dublin Marathon. Discussions relating to proposed arrangements for future Dublin Marathon events have commenced between Dublin City Council and the Organisers of Dublin Marathon with the intention of reaching a positive solution that may be announced in Quarter 1 of 2024.”
This does not mean that it will not include Merrion Square and the heart of the Georgian Quarter but it does mean that other potential routes will be discussed.
Given the challenges and the concerns raised in relation to the safe and satisfactory functioning of the city and its services that makes a lot of sense, and always better to have the discussions in a dispassionate setting rather than through the media.
