Birr Chambers Award

Chambers Ireland Award-Enhancing the Urban Environment

Revitalising Birr by improving the way its public realm functions.

Citation and a few pictures of the work which went into enhancing Birr Town via the public realm improvement works.

The historic town of Birr was sensitively and sustainably enhanced through the provision of a high quality public realm. This improved the attractiveness and functionality of Birr and positioned its role as a centre for tourism, retail and commerce, as well as an excellent place in which to live.

The principle urban space, Emmet Square, four access routes to the town core, nine kilometres of cycle way and two car parks were reconfigured and enhanced to provide greater priority for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.

These measures improved the attractiveness of the town, the safety of all and the visibility of the square as a civic space and hub for the town.

The scheme was a multi-phase development, informed by a shared vision and master plan and progressed in collaboration with many partners and sponsors.