Talks are underway on the start and finishing points for the Dublin Marathon next year, organisers have confirmed.

In a joint statement this afternoon, Dublin Marathon and Dublin City Council (DCC) said complaints about road closures and the race’s impact on public transport have led to a “requirement to reconsider the use of Merrion Square North for future Dublin Marathons”.

It emerged in November that complaints from the National Transport Authority (NTA) had seen the former Dublin City Council CEO Owen Keegan asking the race organisers to change the route for 2024.

For their part, race organisers had warned that the city centre location is central to the event’s appeal – and any attempt to move it away from the city would see it losing prestige internationally.

In the statement, DCC and Dublin Marathon said they were working to find a route that presents ‘the best experience for participants, attendees and spectators,’ while also minimising disruption to the day-to-day running of the city.

They said they are considering viable options for next year’s event that are “preferably within the City Centre” and that will “showcase the city and continue to provide the best experience for all those involved”.

The discussions have already begun and it is hoped a “positive solution” can be announced in the First Quarter of next year.