Fed up South Dublin residents are set to occupy their pavements to stop cars putting cyclists and pedestrians in "extreme danger".
Belmont Avenue in Donnybrook is described as "a narrow two-way street which isn't wide enough for two lanes of traffic as well as a parked car".
When traffic is heavy cars often mount the pavement while waiting for oncoming traffic to pass before proceeding, and residents say motorists using it as a 'rat run' exasperates the problem.
St Mary's National School is on the street, which adds to the congestion issue at the start and end of the school day.
The Belmont Avenue residents group say cars mounting the pavement puts pedestrians and cyclist in "extreme danger" - especially when kids are making their way to the school.
An email to Councillors, seen by Dublin Live, read: "I am writing on behalf of the Belmont Avenue residents group to let you know that the residents are planning an initial 'pavement protest' on Belmont Avenue on Thursday 17 February between 8.30 and 9.00 AM."
"Belmont Avenue has suffered for many years from motorists using the pavements to bypass traffic congestion on the carriageway.
"This is obviously illegal and extremely dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists."
The residents complained that, despite the issue being raised over many years with both Dublin City Council and the guards, no action has been taken to prevent this occurring.
The email continued: "Given the lack of action on this issue the residents of Belmont Avenue and adjoining roads and parent of children attending St Mary’s NS, have decided to mount a “pavement protest” on Thursday 17 February to highlight the matter."
"It is intended that the protest will take place during the period immediately prior to the begin of school in order to provide maximum protection to vulnerable pedestrians."
The group added that they will continue to protest "until the issue is dealt with".
The email added: "It is intended that the local residents and parents will stand on the pavement of Belmont Avenue in order to prevent cars from encroaching on it as such will not allow cars to progress along the pavement."
Councillor Deirdre Conroy said in a motion to the Council that "there have been a number of near misses with pedestrians including small children" and warned "t is only a matter of time before something worse happens".
The Council responded that a report is underway that will be presented to the South East Area Committee in the first quarter of 2022.
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