2024 Objectives

Here are the objectives for 2024 aimed at further enhancing the management and public accessibility of Iveagh Gardens:

  • Extend Garden Opening Hours: to persuade senior managers of the OPW to allocate sufficient resources for security and park wardens, enabling the Gardens to remain open later in line with other parks in the city. The current closing times are considered too early.

  • Quarterly Public Meetings: Secure the OPW's agreement to hold quarterly public meetings as promised to our public representatives and the Friends of the Gardens. These meetings will provide a forum for community engagement and feedback.

  • Additional Bench Seating: Ensure the delivery of additional bench seating promised for early 2024. This will improve visitor comfort and enjoyment of the Gardens.

  • Fountain Repair and Clarity on Budget: Obtain clarity from the OPW on the delay in fixing the garden fountains and address any budget constraints that may be hindering progress. Campaign to remove any obstacles preventing timely repairs.

  • Diverse and Local Events: Collaborate with the OPW to introduce more varied and locally-focused events in the Gardens, enriching the cultural offerings and attracting a diverse audience.

  • Community Engagement and Enjoyment: Foster community engagement and enjoyment of the Gardens by promoting inclusivity, participation, and appreciation of this unique public space.

  • To work closely with the Save the Iveagh Gardens campaign

By pursuing these objectives in 2024, we aim to further enhance the accessibility, amenities, and community engagement within Iveagh Gardens, making it a cherished and vibrant green space for all to enjoy. Together, we can work towards realizing these goals and nurturing a positive relationship with the OPW for the benefit of the community.

2023 What We Said

The Iveagh Gardens is one of very few green outdoor places available to the living and working community in the area and we believe its availability plays a huge part in the maintaining of the communities physical and mental well-being. The benefits of outdoor space to our communities physical and mental health is well documented nationally and internationally. Mid-summer is the time of peak need to access this space by the community.

In addition to the community who live in the area there is a burgeoning office community fuelled through an increasing amount of large commercial property being developed. Where are these workers expected to go during their breaks?

2023 Our Results

It's great to see the positive outcomes achieved partially through the campaign efforts with the OPW throughout 2022 and 2023. Here's a summary of the results:

  • Public Observation on Events in Iveagh Gardens: The OPW now invited public observation and feedback on events held in the Iveagh Gardens, fostering greater community engagement and transparency in garden management. To get a summary of the Public Consultation Analysis 2023 please click HERE.

  • Improved Community Access: Events offered in the Gardens have been reduced by 15 days in mid-summer 2024 compared to previous years (52 days in 2023), allowing for better overall community access to the gardens.

  • Reduced Event Footprint: The event footprint in the Gardens has been significantly reduced, estimated at 30% coverage in 2024 compared to 50% in 2023 and 65% in 2022, preserving more of the garden space for public enjoyment.

  • Open Gates Policy: All main gates and other access points to the Gardens will remain open for most of the 2024 summer, enhancing accessibility and convenience for visitors. This is a significant improvement compared to previous years when gates were often closed.

  • Infrastructure Improvements: The OPW has committed to enhancing infrastructure by adding more seating and addressing issues with the garden fountains. However, clarity is needed on the progress and timeline of these improvements.

  • Granular Opening Times: The OPW has published more detailed opening times on its website, providing visitors with clearer information about garden access hours. Similar information displayed outside the gates would further improve visitor experience.

  • Preservation of Inner Perimeter Walkway: As a result of these improvements and reductions in event footprint, a substantial part of the inner perimeter walkway will be preserved in 2024, allowing visitors to enjoy more of the natural beauty of the Gardens.

These achievements reflect the positive impact of community advocacy and engagement with the OPW, leading to tangible enhancements in accessibility, event management, and preservation of green spaces for public enjoyment. Continued collaboration and communication will be key to ensuring that these improvements are sustained and further developed in the future.

A result from 2023 takes effect in 2024,

iI contrast to prior years the Friends of Iveagh Gardens will now able to walk to/from the NCH for a concert as the connecting gates will be open every day.

Another result in 2024

The main gates at Clonmel Street will remain open most days and a walkway will be available through most of the perimeter as highlighted in yellow.