Dublin reclaims its streets for children

Dublin is launching 25 Play Streets across the city’s neighbourhoods, creating safe, traffic-free environments for children and families to play and connect.

It commemorates 25 years of the Irish capital’s Car Free Day. The Play Streets initiative was officially launched by the councillor Ray McAdam, lord mayor of Dublin, at Harold’s Road in Stoneybatter.

Safe and accessible public spaces

On Sunday, 21 September, between 1pm and 4pm, 25 designated streets throughout Dublin will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic. This will enable residents to enjoy safe and accessible public spaces where children can engage in outdoor play and social activities, fostering community spirit in a traffic-free environment. 

“Play Streets offer a wonderful opportunity for Dubliners to reclaim their streets for play and community,” said McAdam. “This launch is a significant step in our commitment to creating safer, more sustainable neighbourhoods where people can thrive. I encourage everyone to join us on Sunday 21st September to experience the joy and connection that Play Streets bring.”

“Play Streets offer a wonderful opportunity for Dubliners to reclaim their streets for play and community”

Play Streets are neighbourhood-led initiatives that temporarily close streets to through traffic, giving children the freedom to play safely on the street where they live. This concept aims to revive the childhood experience of street play as a central part of growing up, once common in Ireland.  

Recent Play Street events in the Dublin 7 postal area have demonstrated the impact such spaces have on children’s wellbeing, providing a venue for physical activity, social engagement, creativity, and independence in urban neighbourhoods.