Dublin's pedestrian crossings may be about to get a lot more colourful.

To mark the great strides made by Ireland's LGBT community in recent years - culminating in the passing of the Marriage Equality Referendum in May - a new proposal to Dublin City Council (DCC) would introduce a number of rainbow walks in the capital.

Rather than the usual tarmac and white lines, pedestrians would be treated to bright, colourful crossings to celebrate what has been an extraordinary year for Ireland.

Similar crossings already feature in a number of cities worldwide - including Tel Aviv, Sydney, Hollywood and San Francisco's famous Castro District.

The proposal was conceived by LGBT activist Dale McDermott, who was inspired by a visit to the Castro District, the epicentre of the US gay rights movement in the 1970s.

McDermott describes it as a "beacon of hope" to LGBT people across the world, "where the LGBT community shine out and proud."

And Dublin too has become a source of hope thanks to the passing of the referendum, he says:

"It sent a sign that Ireland welcomes you and also for younger people who may have been struggling with their sexuality - that Ireland is a place where you can feel welcome and not worry about prejudice or inequality.

"When it passed, I was never prouder."

The motion, which has the backing of Fine Gael councillor Noel Rock, should go before the DCC in January or February, with the hope that the rainbow walks be installed before before next year's celebrations for the centenary of the Easter Rising. 

"I think this could be a massive way to first of all recognise how far we have come as a society since 1916, but now with the passing of Marriage Equality last year, it would be a fitting tribute that we now cherish all of the children equally as was stated in our constitution," says McDermott.

Dublin City Council will be urged to install permanent rainbow walks at three different city-centre locations:

• George's St/Dame St junction

George's St has long been considered Dublin's unofficial gay district, and the George pub/nightclub is the best known gay bar in the country. It was also the location of Joe Caslin's iconic mural ,which made headlines around the world ahead of the referendum. This junction is one of the city's busiest and would ensure maximum exposure for the project.

• Parliament St/Dame St junction

When the result of the Marriage Equality Referendum was announced in the courtyard of Dublin Castle, thousands poured out onto the streets around Dublin City Hall. Placing the crossings here would commemorate the celebrations, and the proposal also includes the installation of a plaque to highlight the area's significance.

• Capel St/Grand St Great junction

At this northside street corner stands the now iconic Pantibar. In recognition of its prominence during the referendum campaign, and to aid in its transformation to another gay quarter, the proposal seeks to add two rainbow crossings to the junction.

Rainbow walks, the proposal argues, will boost tourism, forwarding Dublin's reputation as an LGBT destination. This would tie in with a recent Tourism Ireland campaign aiming to attract same-sex couples to the country.

They would also ensure visitors would know that Dublin is safe and welcoming for members of the LGBT community.

In addition, the crossings would recognise the cultural significance of the locations and serve as a commemoration for Ireland being the first country to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote, as well as benefiting local businesses by increasing foot traffic.

Dublin is a fundamentally different place for LGBT people than it was a year ago, and the rainbow crossings would mark this permanent change in physical form - brighter, more colourful crossings for a brighter, more colourful Dublin.

McDermott says the changes since May have been "extraordinary," and that Dublin is becoming increasingly open to people of all sexualities:

"I feel that Dublin is a place where people can express themselves in what ever way they like and not feel like they have to hide themselves.

"We are on the right road [to making Dublin an LGBT destination], and by installing something like a rainbow walk, it would send a further message that Dublin is modern, progressive and looking to the future."