Dublin Half Marathon to return to Phoenix Park

The Dublin Half Marathon Review was published today. This review was conducted on the back of the major traffic and travel disruption caused when the event moved from its traditional location in the Phoenix Park to Newbridge House and Demesne in Donabate.

There were a number of recommendations issued in the report, but probably the most pertinent piece for runners is the news that the Half Marathon will return to the Phoenix Park next year:

The Chairman of Dublin Race Series, Jim Aughney said: “We would like to apologise again to all runners affected by the delay on the day. This was the first year running the event at this location. We had a full and comprehensive traffic management plan in place.  It is clear however that there were shortcomings and we will take on board the findings to improve the Race Series for 2018. We will revert to the Phoenix Park for the SSE Airtricity Half-Marathon in 2018.”

I think this will be welcome news to most runners as, aside from the issues with Newbridge House, the Phoenix Park is more attractive for runners travelling longer distances. For example, in the past I’ve taken the train up and back, hopped on the free shuttle bus from Heuston, and generally had a really enjoyable event….which I look forward to doing again in the future.

Main Recommendations:

The report goes into a lot more detail about what happened on the day and how this could be improved upon. It also includes recommendations for managing other events in Newbridge House. The report was completed by former Dublin City Area Manager Charlie Lowe. Here are some of it’s main recommendations:

 A baseline assessment of Newbridge House and Demesne, as a venue for hosting events, needs to be carried out.

• A longer lead-in period, with earlier deadlines for completion of Traffic Management Plans and Event Management Plans, needs to be implemented for future events.
• A protocol needs to be established for communication, clarification and sign-off for any changes to traffic management and traffic control plans.
• A Steering Group structure, chaired by a Senior Official in Fingal County Council, needs to be established to oversee similar large events held in Fingal.
• Below the level of the Steering Group, all ad hoc groups should be formed by the Steering Group with names, roles and responsibilities assigned and a reporting channel established.
• For events in Newbridge House and Demesne, which are likely to attract large crowds, a community liaison committee (CLC) needs to be established.
• A permanent slot on Joint Policing Committee Agendas for ‘major events attracting large crowds’ should be established.
• A review of the operational performance of each of the stakeholders for the Half-Marathon event should be conducted by each of them in order to identify areas where improvements can be made for future events of this type.