The six-million-euro regeneration of the area between Grafton Street and Dawson Street in Dublin city centre - first announced more than a decade ago - will finally get under way in the coming weeks.

The two-year construction project involves a revamp of South Anne Street, Duke Street, Lemon Street and the lanes which run between them.

Certain areas will be repaved with Leinster granite, while plants, water bottle filling stations, a play area, public seating and bicycle stands will also be added.

Dublin editor of the Irish Times Olivia Kelly told The Pat Kenny Show that pedestrian access will be maintained at all times throughout the construction.

“There’s 108 buildings in that area and they’ll all have access to their shops because you can understand why that would be a big concern for the retailers and the cafes there,” she said.

“So, there’ll always be access there.

“They’ll try and minimise disruption, but you know, you’re pulling up a carriageway, so there will be disruption.”

Shoppers walk through a busy Grafton Street in Dublin. (Photo by Paul Faith / AFP)

In terms of parking, Ms Kelly said that South Ann Street will maintain a 6am to 11am only gated access.

“Duke Street, at its Dawson Street end, it’s going to stay open to traffic,” she said.

“I think it’s going to be difficult for any traffic that enters, but what will happen is if you come into Duke Street... you’ll still be allowed turn left into Duke Lane.

“Duke Lane runs between Duke Street and South Ann Street and sort of parallel to Grafton Street, but it’s really, really tiny.”

Ms Kelly acknowledged that the project had taken an extraordinary amount of time, but said Dublin City Council had “put in great effort”, particularly when it comes to acknowledging disabled groups.

Main image: Grafton Street Dublin City Centre