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Dublin city centre social distancing plan could see vehicles banned from some areas after 11am

A plan to reopen Dublin city centre over the coming weeks and months could see vehicles banned fr...
Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

10.08 8 May 2020


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Dublin city centre social dist...

Dublin city centre social distancing plan could see vehicles banned from some areas after 11am

Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

10.08 8 May 2020


Share this article


A plan to reopen Dublin city centre over the coming weeks and months could see vehicles banned from certain areas after 11am and College Green closed to traffic.

The council is working with the National Transport Authority on temporary measures to keep walkers and cyclists safe, while also creating more space for businesses for social distancing.

The COVID-19 restrictions have seen traffic in the city reduce by 60-70% in recent weeks, while the number of pedestrians has fallen by 80%.

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A number of measures have already been introduced in the city, including the closure of some loading bays and the widening of cycle lanes.

Planners are now looking into how to continue social distancing as restrictions begin to be eased.

Council officials say closing some roads to traffic after 11am could allow businesses to reopen "by allowing more on street space for tables and chairs and also for waiting areas".

They say the temporary closure of College Green and the temporary widening of footpaths along Dame Street would allow more room for pedestrians and cyclists, while also giving extra spaces to reopening businesses.

'Bus stop build outs' are also being looked at in order to give more room to people waiting for buses in the city centre.

Vice chair of the Dublin Cycling Campaign, Louise Williams, said the measures would mean a major shift away from cars.

Dublin city centre social distancing plan could see vehicles banned from some areas after 11am

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She told Newstalk Breakfast: "We really welcome this... it is a big move from the Council... they're calling it a temporary mobility plan - we might prefer for them to take out the word temporary.

"I think we need to address this idea that if we provide more space to pedestrians and people who cycle than businesses will suffer - that's just not the case.

"Research all over the world [shows] pedestrians and people who cycle tend to buy in smaller amounts, but more frequently - the budget they spend is significant."

Main image: File photo of Dublin city centre. Photo: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

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