Dublin’s City Centre Traffic Plan Unveiled: Enhancing Public Transport and Improving Streets
Dublin is set to undergo significant traffic reforms in the city centre by mid-2025 as part of the next phase of the Dublin City Centre Traffic Plan. These measures, following the initial implementation in August of last year, are planned to further revolutionize public transit and urban mobility.
Initial Phase Success
The plan’s first phase saw the introduction of a ban on private cars and commercial vehicles traveling directly east or west along the Liffey, near O’Connell Bridge, during peak hours. This intervention proved highly beneficial for bus passengers.
According to Dublin City Council, new data will soon reveal a staggering increase in the number of buses on Bachelors Walk and Aston Quay—335 more daily runs compared to the previous year. This enhancement represents a remarkable additional capacity of roughly 30,000 passengers per day.
Bus journey times on the north and south quays have decreased by about 30%, and the service has become more predictable and steady due to reduced congestion.
[ Bus journey times cut by up to one-third on Dublin’s Liffey quays, NTA saysOpens in new window ]
Next Phase Details
The council is currently developing the second phase of the plan, which will involve restricting left turns from Westland Row into Pearse Street between April and June 2025. This might appear as a minor tweak, but it will require substantial engineering efforts, including the construction of new traffic islands and the redesign of the junction.
Currently, Pearse Street is a one-way street heading from Sandwith Street towards College Green. The new restriction will make this portion of the street two-way, allowing right turns from Westland Row, while the westbound direction will remain one-way.
This measure is intended to reduce the popularity of Pearse Street and Tara Street as routes, consequently decreasing overall traffic in these areas.
Benefits and Future Vision
By eliminating the left turns from Westland Row, the council aims to free up more space on Pearse Street and Tara Street for cyclists, pedestrians, and buses. These investments can contribute to a safer and more pleasant urban environment.
Parliament Street could become traffic-free, transforming the area into a vibrant public space. This could include a contraflow cycling link running from Dame Street to Bolton Street, utilizing Parliament Street and Capel Street.
Dublin City Council is also considering plans for a plaza either in front of the Custom House or at Beresford Place. Additionally, they have plans to submit a planning application for a College Green civic plaza by year-end.
Business Responses and Legal Challenges
Businesses in the city centre have shown minimal resistance to the initial measures. Brendan O’Brien, the head of traffic at Dublin City Council, clarified that they have received only a few complaints.
However, the Dublin City Centre Traders Alliance, under the leadership of solicitor/developer Noel Smyth, is questioning the council’s authority over the traffic changes. They have initiated judicial review proceedings in relation to the adjustments made on the quays along the River Liffey.
Diageo, the famous Guinness brewery, has adapted by using alternative routes to reach the port, demonstrating how businesses can integrate with the new city centre traffic dynamics.
Conclusion
Dublin’s city centre traffic plan represents a substantial shift towards creating a greener, safer commuting environment. Despite some legal challenges, the council remains committed to enhancing public transportation and reclaiming streets for cyclists, pedestrians, and business activities.
These upcoming changes are a crucial step in transforming Dublin’s city centre, promising significant improvements to bus services and space utilization.
What are your thoughts on these new traffic regulations? Share your views below or join the discussion on our social media platforms!
