Sweeping changes: Dublin's premier retail thoroughfare could be re-paved and have new street furniture installed

Grafton Street, long criticised for its shoddy look, is in line for a major revamp. Dublin City Council is set to spend up to €40m on new paving and street furniture for the pedestrianised street and surrounding area, according to sources, although the council was keen to stress last week the project was in its early stages.

"A survey has been carried out on what works need to be done and we have met local businesses including the Dublin City Business Association to discuss the area," a spokeswoman for the council said. She stressed that no figure had been set yet for the revamp of the street.

Works are unlikely to begin until next year as the project will have to go through the planning process. Sources said the pedestrian upgrade would reach from Dawson Street to South William Street.

The works would fit in with the new city development plan which is being drawn up at present.

An amendment currently being proposed states that the council will explore "the extension of the pedestrian zone in the Grafton Area to include the creation of new pedestrian streets". Among the streets being considered for pedestrianisation are South Anne Street, Duke Street, Clarendon Street and South William Street.