The response from most businesses on South William Street to the prospect of pedestrianisation has been largely positive but some say it may impact customers with reduced mobility, particularly the elderly, and create logistical problems.
“We can’t wait!” said Michelle Horan of Tropical Popical, a nail bar on the busy Dublin street.
“This should have happened ages ago,” she said. “We’ve been waiting for this for ages.”
Read More: Four Irish businesses ordered to close over rats, hygiene and food safety concerns
“It’s really good for us,” said José Ibanez, general manager at the restaurant Mercado 52.
“It’s really good for people who want to sit outside, especially on days like today," he said.
Cameron Hempenstall of the Benefit cosmetics outlet was also positive about the proposed change.
“If it increases my footfall, it’s a good thing,” she said. “It would be great if it was done before Christmas.”
That seems unlikely to happen, however, as there are currently no dates or plans set in stone at Dublin City Council. While a motion has been passed by Council members that will see it become part of the City Development Plan this year, that document is not due to be published until November.
“There’s nothing concrete other than the fact that it’ll be a specific objective, which means we can pursue it,” says Green Party Councillor Claire Byrne.
30 metres of the street have been pedestrianised already and The Green Party are seeking to go ahead with full pedestrianisation this time, according to Byrne.
She says that DCC have already been looking at doing a feasibility study as part of the Grafton Quarter redesign based on trials that were held in 2019 and 2020, which she says were “a great success.”
“Dublin City Council, I feel, have good will towards it. I think they would like to see it happen,” she said. “I will be fighting tooth and nail to make sure it happens sooner rather than later.”
Some businesses were not so positive when asked about the possibility of losing road traffic on the street, citing delivery access issues and the fear they might lose some customers who only access the city by car or taxi.
Claire Reidy of the women’s clothes store, Helen McAlinden, is one of those who worries about logistical difficulties related to stock transfers during the day if vehicles cannot pull up outside the shop. As well as that, she says some customers may be lost.
“Our clientele are used to getting dropped at the door”, said Reidy. “We did notice a change in clientele when it was fully pedestrian before.”
Eva Meagher at the Dylan Bradshaw hair salon shares Reidy’s concerns. “Deliveries will be an issue,” she said.
She is also worried that it might alienate a section of the salon’s clientele.
“Customers with less mobility would rely on taxis coming to the door,” she said.
Claire Reidy is not entirely pessimistic though, saying “in the broad scheme of things it might do amazing things for the street.”
READ NEXT:
Jaw dropping video shows lightning strike as Ireland thunderstorm warning issued
Irish gym owner on life after prison for one-punch killing and alcoholism battle
Teen fighting for life after car hit horse 'deliriously walks out of hospital'
Lynsey Bennett opens up on 'most painful' tasks yet after cancer diagnosis
Josh Dunne's mum says 'he should be here celebrating' as 18th birthday marked
