Fewer cars could make Dublin a 'doughnut city'

Updated: 09:32, Tuesday, 23 March 2010

Dublin businesses say that if the city council discourages shoppers who use cars it could make the capital a 'doughnut' city - empty in the centre.

1 of 1 Dublin Chamber critical of development plan
Dublin
Chamber critical of development plan

In its submission on the city's draft development plan, the Chamber says Dublin City Council's plans to reduce and calm traffic, as well as limiting parking spaces, are in contradiction of its aim to maintain the city as the State's prime retail destination.

The Dublin Chamber of Commerce has also called for increased building height in the city centre, saying it could increase economic output by €12bn.

It says the Draft Development Plan for 2011 to 2017, currently on public display, does not go far enough in planning for the future.

In calling for greater height and density for commercial development, it says a doubling of density will increase specialisation and competition and could raise productivity by 12.5% per worker generally and 22% in the services sector.

That would increase Dublin's GNP by 20% from €60 to €72bn.

The Chamber's submission also calls for redevelopment of derelict sites and the removal of needle exchanges, head shops and homeless shelters in the central business district.

It wants increased building density along new transport routes but says the council has not published detailed plans on how to cope with the proposed DART Underground and Metro North projects.

The Chamber of Commerce also says it is 'incredulous' the city development plan is not integrated with the plans of the other three local authorities and planning guidelines for the greater Dublin area.

Live Player

  • Next
  • 13:00 - 13:25

    RTÉ News: One O'Clock and Weather

  • 13:00 - 13:45

    RTÉ Radio - News at One (Studio Webcam)

  • Later
  • 16:25 - 16:35

    news2day

  • 17:40 - 18:00

    Nuacht RTÉ