Dublin Corporation considers ban on spontaneous O'Connell St protests
Tuesday, 13 March 2001 14:05
Spontaneous protests may be outlawed on Dublin's O'Connell Street under legislation being considered by Dublin Corporation. They propose that no groups would be allowed to parade or assemble without successfully applying for a licence and if more than 50 people are involved then a refundable deposit against damage of £2,000 must be provided. Donncha O'Connell, Director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, says that the proposals infringe on people's rights to protest. He says that for those with little income, protesting is the only way to be heard. But Ciarán MacNamara, Project Officer of the O'Connell Street Regeneration Scheme, says that the plan will ensure the free flow of traffic through the new-look area.
In a separate development, the Corporation is introducing what it describes as a "radical" new traffic plan for the city centre. It will come into effect next month and the Corporation says that it will mean that significant priority will be given to public transport, pedestrians and cyclists. The plan follows the launch earlier this month of a new network of Quality Bus Corridors.
- 1.00 News: Owen Keegan, Dublin Corporation's Director of Traffic, explains the new traffic plans
- Morning Ireland: Ciarán MacNamara, Project Officer of the O'Connell Street Regeneration Scheme for Dublin Corporation, defends the proposals
- Morning Ireland: Donncha O'Connell, Director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, saying the proposals infringe on people's rights to protest
