Dublin city council launches Grow College Green project

Dublin City Council launched the ‘Grow College Green’ project on 21 September 2025 with a free family-friendly event at College Green and Dame Street, coinciding with European Mobility Week’s Car Free Day.

The initiative, in partnership with the National Transport Authority, aims to transform College Green into a pedestrian-focused, sustainable civic space for shopping, working, and community connection.

The event featured themed zones (Breathe, Connect, Imagine, Evolve), yoga masterclasses, live music, community drum workshops, sustainability activities, and a time capsule for public contributions.

The project supports Dublin’s Climate Action Plan by reducing traffic congestion and aligns with the National Transport Authority’s bus network redesign, phasing out buses from College Green.

Public consultation feedback from June 2025 is shaping the preliminary design, with further engagement planned to ensure the space meets the needs of Dubliners and visitors.

Councillor Ray McAdam, Lord Mayor of Dublin, shared: “College Green has always been at the centre of our city’s historic, social, cultural and civic life. Through ‘Grow College Green’, we want to create a space that is welcoming to everyone – families, students, workers, visitors and local communities. The project is more than just redesigning a space, it’s about creating an environment which reflects Dublin’s identity, values and ambition for the future.”

Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive of Dublin City Council, shared: “’Grow College Green’ is a once in a generation opportunity for Dublin. This project will deliver a world-class, pedestrian-priority public space at the historic heart of the city.”

Hugh Creegan, Interim CEO of the National Transport Authority, shared: “The ‘Grow College Green’ project represents a major step forward in creating a more sustainable, accessible, and people-focused city centre.”

Jane Stout, Vice President for Biodiversity and Climate Action at Trinity College Dublin, shared: “As a key city centre stakeholder, Trinity College Dublin strongly supports the Grow College Green project and believes it would be transformative for the city.”

Brian Moran, Senior MD with Hines Ireland, shared: “’Grow College Green’ ties in with Hines’ wider vision for the Central Plaza complex, which has already brought new life and a thriving new modern office district right back to the heart of the city on the site of the former Central Bank.”