Ibec Calls for Immediate Pause on Dublin City Traffic Plans

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, today called for Dublin City Council to pause the implementation of new city centre traffic plans to allow for an urgent examination on how these traffic proposals will interact with other planned measures aimed at rejuvenating and transforming the city centre such as the new Taskforce for Dublin City Centre and planning for construction of the Metrolink. Major new traffic changes are due to roll-out from August, but significant questions still exist on how the plans will affect access to the city centre at a time where footfall is reduced, and safety concerns remain high. Ibec said the plan aim to reduce transit through the city centre, but not enough consideration has been given to its impact on businesses operating within city centre. Further detailed consultation with affected businesses and other stakeholders is needed on these proposed changes, as well as on rejuvenation and restructuring plans to ensure the city is open and accessible to all.

Aidan Sweeney, Ibec Head of Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability said: “A thriving, and dynamic city centre is what we’re all aiming for, and this will involve significant changes to transport in and around the city centre. Unnecessary transit through the city centre needs to be avoided, as Dublin is far too car dependent for most of its journeys. However, the proposed traffic changes do not adequately reflect the reality of businesses operating within the city centre. These businesses are critical to the life and vibrancy of the city centre, creating employment and footfall, whilst also attracting shoppers, visitors, and tourists”.

“The proposed traffic changes have been developed independently of other initiatives that are also aiming to developing a reimagined and sustainable city centre into the future. We are calling on Dublin City Council to pause any implementation of the plan to provide for a comprehensive engagement with stakeholders within the city centre on how such proposals will work alongside recommendations from the new Taskforce for Dublin City Centre. We must also factor in the construction of the Metrolink into the discussion. Dialogue is needed now to ensure to minimise disruption to the city centre during the lengthy construction phase. If Dublin is seen as difficult to access for shoppers, visitors, businesses, and staff, it will adversely impact the economic and social life of the city. In short, we need a city that works now and into the future”, he concluded.