Ibec has called on Dublin City Council to pause the implementation of new city centre traffic plans due to be introduced in August.
The employers group has said an urgent examination of the measures to stop traffic travelling through Dublin city centre is needed because of significant questions about how they will affect access to the city centre and businesses in the capital.
In three months time, the way people travel around Dublin city centre is set to change significantly.
New plans, due to come into effect in early August, aim to remove traffic travelling through the city centre using a number of measures, including putting bus gates on the quays.
Dublin City Council has said the measures will not block access to the city centre but will help reduce through traffic, which accounts for about 60% of motor journeys in the city centre.
However, Ibec wants the implementation of these plans paused and has called for an urgent examination of the proposed measures, including how they will impact on access to Dublin city centre and the businesses in the capital’s core.
Aidan Sweeney, head of infrastructure and environmental sustainability at Ibec, said further detailed consultation is needed along with information about how the traffic plans will interact with the proposed Metrolink project.
‘Dialogue is needed now’ – Ibec
He said: “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.”
Mr Sweeney said to achieve a “thriving and dynamic” city centre, significant changes were needed to transport in and around Dublin city.
He said: “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.”
Traffic plans must proceed – Dublin Commuter Coalition
However, the Dublin Commuter Coalition said the new traffic plans must proceed, with its chair Jason Cullen saying the measures will improve public transport.
He said: “Private car traffic using the core of the city centre as a through road is a major obstacle to reliable and dependable public transport, as noted recently by Dublin Bus CEO.
“A reduction in private car traffic which isn’t destined for the city centre but only passing through, is also adding to the unease and fear of many people from choosing to cycle in and out of the city which is a relevant for city centre business as many studies show that people cycling, spend more time and money at accessible businesses compared to people that drive.
“The transport plan will also unlock the city for more public green areas for socialising which will encourage more people to view Dublin as a destination, not a through road.”
