The organisers of the Dublin Marathon came in for criticism earlier in the month when it came to light that they were considering moving the location of the start and end of the marathon away from Merrion Square.
Dublin Marathon claimed that they were being forced into changes by Dublin City Council who 'told them to find a new venue outside the city centre for the start and finish of the 2024 race, because they are 'unhappy about the “disproportionate adverse impact” the race has on public transport services.'
Dublin Marathon Issue Joint Statement
Dublin Marathon and Dublin City Council have now released a joint statement in response to the concerns, which strongly implies that there will be a change of venue:
Dublin City Council and the Organisers of the Dublin Marathon have for many years worked in partnership together to deliver this important event to the city, in a safe and sustainable manner. The event and the associated required infrastructure has grown incrementally over time, as have the numbers of runners applying to take part in the event each year.
Concerns expressed by the National Transport Authority in recent years relating to the duration of road closures required to set up and maintain the start/finish area on Merrion Square North, and it’s negative effect on public transport in the area have led to a requirement to reconsider the use of Merrion Square North for future Dublin Marathons.
Given that it is one of the biggest and best days on the Irish sporting calendar, fans of the race are not pleased that there may be changes despite the fact that it is just a single day of the year.
READ HERE: Dublin Marathon Could Be Set For Massive Change Next Year...
For several years my commute to work in town was a ball ache on marathon day... But it was *ONE* morning of the year, and the buzz around town afterwards was more than worth it. https://t.co/DvBIEqUS6Z
— Neil Treacy (@neil_treacy) November 27, 2023
Experiencing the marathon this year was the first time I’ve felt positive about Dublin in over a decade so glad to see the City Council are going to fix that. https://t.co/BN4ZwMbDTx
— Craig Fitzpatrick (@CraigySlane) November 27, 2023
The marathon brings tens of thousands of people into the city centre on a cold Sunday in October. Shops, pubs, restaurants are full of runners and their families. DCC should be doing more to support the marathon, not trying to push it out of the city. https://t.co/DZNrfHKXKX
— Ray Cunningham (@ray_cun) November 27, 2023
"As with all events that take place in the public realm," the statement continues.
"Dublin City Council and the event organisers attempt to ensure that the best locations are used, that present the best experience for both participants, attendees and spectators, while ensuring that disruption to the day to day running of the City is minimised where possible.
"With this in mind Dublin City Council and the organisers of Dublin Marathon are working together to consider viable options for next year’s event, preferably within the City Centre that will showcase the city and continue to provide the best experience for all those involved with the Dublin Marathon.
"Discussions relating to proposed arrangements for future Dublin Marathon events have commenced between Dublin City Council and the Organisers of Dublin Marathon with the intention of reaching a positive solution that may be announced in Quarter 1 of 2024."
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