Private cars will be permanently banned from College Green and Foster Place at the end of the month as part of plans to alleviate city centre congestion.
Private cars are currently permitted outside the hours of 7am and 7pm during weekdays. However, they will be banned on a 24/7 basis from May 29.
It was hoped that buses would also be banned from College Green and Dame Street as part of the plans for a "traffic-free" plaza. Delays in the rollout of the BusConnects plan due to driver shortages meant buses have to continue to pass through the area. Dublin Live previously reported the National Transport Authority warned councillors driver shortages may delays Bus Connects.
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Each week over half a million pedestrians and 2 million passengers on public transport go through the College Green bus gate. This compares with just 27,000 private vehicles.
However, Dublin City Council argues this small number of private vehicles causes significant delays to public transport journey times in the area, particularly in the evenings and at weekends when there are no restrictions.
The College Green Pathfinder Project will also facilitate the interim enhancement of Foster Place. Taxis spaces will be reduced in Foster Place and increased instead at the main College Green taxi rank.
Increased interim footpath space (or buildouts) on Dame Street at Foster place will create a safer and more enjoyable experience for the half a million pedestrians travelling through the area on a daily basis. The median opposite Church Lane will also be increased, removing the right turn from Church Lane to College Green. This median area will also be provided with interim public seating and planters.
Lord Mayor Caroline Conroy said: “This Pathfinder project will enhance the often overlooked area of Foster Place. The traffic management measures will improve public transport times, as well as creating a more relaxing and inviting environment to enjoy our historic city centre.
"This is in accordance with the objective for College Green in the development plan 2022 – 2028.”
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