Dundrum is set for major changes, from new bus layovers and routes, public spaces to revised junctions and safer streets. Find out what is planned, when it may happen, and when you can have your say.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council plans a number of changes to Dundrum over the coming years under its 2023 Dundrum Local Area Plan. These are set out on the Council’s website at https://www.dlrcoco.ie/capital-programme/ongoing-projects/transforming-dundrum.
The following blog is an enhanced version of the Council’s text for the benefit of readers. Readers are invited to form their own opinions on these planned changes.
The planned Dundrum Local Area improvements include:
- Better bus services
- New public spaces and landscaping
- Better walking and cycling routes
- Safer road junctions
- More accessible streets and public areas and
- Changes to roads and traffic layouts.
1. Bus services
A new one-way road for buses across the Dundrum Bypass will link Sweetmount Avenue with Main Street.
This is known as a Bus Gate.
A new bus stop will be added on the Dundrum Bypass.
There will be no change to the existing bus stops or car traffic.
The bus layover spaces now on Waldemar Terrace will move to Upper Churchtown Road.
There new spaces will be:
- A two-bus layover, 49 metres long, on Upper Churchtown Road beside the Ferndale apartments and opposite St Nahi’s Church.
- A four-bus layover, 65 metres long, on Upper Churchtown Road, eastbound. It will run from opposite St Nahi’s Church downhill to the junction with Dundrum Road.
Both layovers will be placed on the existing roads.
There will be no road widening.
Work is due to be completed in 2027, following the late 2025 public consultation.
2. New public space at Waldemar Terrace
The current bus layover to the east and north of Waldemar Terrace will become a new public space.
The aim is to create a place where people can meet, relax and enjoy Dundrum beneath the Dargan LUAS Bridge at the Taney Junction.
The new space will include:
- New landscaping
- Planting
- Seating
- A natural play area and
- A civic space for the community.
Design work is under way.
The plans are due to be shared in a late 2026 public consultation.
3. Dundrum Main Street and Sandyford Road
The Council plans to make the temporary street layout introduced during Covid-19 permanent.
The project will replace the temporary features with:
- Better-quality paving
- Planting
- Seating
- Improved public facilities and
- Better facilities for walking and cycling.
Designs are being prepared.
They are due to be shared later in another late 2026 public consultation.
The aim is to create a more welcoming town centre.
Accessibility and sustainability will be important parts of the design.
4. Taney Junction
Taney Junction will be updated and redesigned.
The plans aim to reduce the size of the junction and reduce waiting times for people crossing the road.
A public consultation is planned for 2027.
The changes are intended to make the junction easier to use for:
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists and
- Public transport users.
They should also improve the link between the north and south sides of Dundrum Village.
5. Dundrum Bypass and junctions
The Council is looking at a number of options for the Sandyford Road/Overend Way junction and the Dundrum Bypass.
Possible changes include:
- Better traffic flow
- Improved pedestrian crossings
- New traffic signals and
- New cycle lanes.
A public consultation will take place after the Main Street and Sandyford Road village upgrades have been built.
The aim is to create a safer and better-connected route for pedestrians and cyclists.
At the same time, the Council wants traffic to continue to move through the area.
What happens next?
The projects will not all be built at the same time.
The Council plans to deliver them one after another.
This approach is intended to:
- Reduce disruption
- Allow time for public engagement and
- Give people opportunities to comment on each project.
Each project will have its own planning and consultation process.
As each project develops, the Council will publish more detailed information and design proposals.
People will have opportunities to give their views during the consultation periods.
The long-term vision for Dundrum
Together, these projects are intended to support the long-term vision for Dundrum.
The aim is to create a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable town.
It is also intended to be well connected and attractive to:
- Live in
- Work in and
- Visit.
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council issued a short 8 page leaflet outlining its plans for Dundrum on 2 October 2026.