The Role of Road-Space & Public Realm Allocation in the Regeneration of Irish Towns
The School of Architecture, Building and Environment, together with the Town Centre First Office, part of the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), wish to announce the formal publication of The Role of Road-Space & Public Realm Allocation in the Socio-Economic Regeneration of Irish Towns. This TU Dublin study, commissioned by the National Town Centre First Office and the LGMA, examines how the allocation of road space and public realm can help shape the future of Ireland's towns.
The study explores what role can the way we use road space play in revitalising Ireland's towns. Streets are much more than routes for movement. They are places where people meet, spend time, access services and support local businesses.
The study draws on both Irish and international research to examine a wide range of issues influencing town centres today, including:
- The changing role of town centres and main streets
- The socio-economic value of public realm investment
- Car access, car parking and travel behaviour
- Governance, communication and engagement
- Lessons from real-world examples of road-space reallocation and public space reclamation.
The report also features detailed case studies from Blackrock, Co. Dublin and Dundrum, Co. Dublin, alongside the internationally recognised experience of Pontevedra, Spain, providing valuable insights into how different places have approached the challenge of creating more vibrant, people-focused town centres.
Among the key themes emerging from the research are the importance of quality public spaces, walkability, strong leadership, evidence-based decision-making and meaningful engagement with communities and businesses. The study also highlights the need for a greater Irish evidence base to support future town centre regeneration initiatives.
Principal Investigator Dr Sarah Rock of TU Dublin said:
"One of the key findings from the research is that streets are much more than routes for movement. They are also places where people meet, spend time, access services and support local businesses. The report draws together lessons from Ireland and abroad that can help towns to think about how better use of public space can contribute to stronger, more attractive and more resilient town centres."
Town Centre First Office National Coordinator Mairead Hunt said:
"The way we use and shape public space has a significant influence on the success of our towns. Through this research, we wanted to build the evidence base around what makes town centres attractive, vibrant and sustainable places to live, work, visit and invest in. The report provides important insights that can help inform future Town Centre First initiatives across Ireland."
Whether your interest is town regeneration, placemaking, mobility, economic development or community wellbeing, there is plenty in this report to inform and inspire discussion.
TU Dublin Project Team
Principal Investigator: Dr. Sarah Rock
Co-Investigators: Jordana Corrigan, Odran Reid
Project Manager: David O’Connor, Head of Discipline
This study was prepared by the Sustainable Transport & Mobility Research Group at TU Dublin.
Study Funder: National Town Centre First Office, Local Government Management Agency
Photographs: All images by Sarah Rock or Jordana Corrigan unless otherwise stated.
Note: This study partially draws on previous studies undertaken by TU Dublin funded by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, the National Transport Authority and the Road Safety Authority. The study was completed in 2025 and approved for full publication in July 2026.
Read the report here: TCFO Road Space Reallocation Final Report
Project webpage, available here: [forthcoming]