Dublin City Council and Dublin Marathon organisers have said that they are still hopeful that the event can start and finish in the city centre amidst speculation that it may be forced to find an alternative route.
The race, first held in 1980, traditionally starts at Fitzwilliam Square and finishes at Merrion Square but concerns have been raised by the National Transport Authority in relation to the number of road closures and the impact on public transport.
This year, Dublin Bus and Luas services were impacted with the finish line at Merrion Square remaining in place until 5pm.
In a joint statement from Dublin City Council and Dublin Marathon organisers, they said that their aim is still to have a city centre start-finish area and hope that they can announce a resolution in early 2024.
"Dublin City Council and the organisers of the Dublin Marathon have for many years worked in partnership together to deliver this important event to the city, in a safe and sustainable manner," the statement read,
"The event and the associated required infrastructure has grown incrementally over time, as have the numbers of runners applying to take part in the event each year.
"Concerns expressed by the National Transport Authority in recent years relating to the duration of road closures required to set up and maintain the start/finish area on Merrion Square North, and its negative effect on public transport in the area have led to a requirement to reconsider the use of Merrion Square North for future Dublin Marathons.
"As with all events that take place in the public realm, Dublin City Council and the event organisers attempt to ensure that the best locations are used, that present the best experience for both participants, attendees and spectators, while ensuring that disruption to the day to day running of the City is minimised where possible.
"With this in mind Dublin City Council and the organisers of Dublin Marathon are working together to consider viable options for next year's event, preferably within the City Centre that will showcase the city and continue to provide the best experience for all those involved with the Dublin Marathon.
"Discussions relating to proposed arrangements for future Dublin Marathon events have commenced between Dublin City Council and the Organisers of Dublin Marathon with the intention of reaching a positive solution that may be announced in Quarter 1 of 2024."
Almost 25,000 runners took part in the 42nd Dublin City Marathon in October.
A new course record was set by 20-year-old Ethiopian Kemal Husen who finished in just under two hours and seven minutes while the first woman across the line was Sorome Negash, also of Ethiopia.
The first Irishman across the line was Stephen Scullion and the first Irish woman to finish was Anne-Marie McGlynn.
