Dublin Transport Committee recommends a bus gate at College Green in Dublin.
The introduction of a bus gate would mean that during the three hour morning and evening rush hours from Monday to Friday, cars would not be able to enter or exit Dame Street or travel up College Green to Nassau Street. A special exception would be made for the Provost of Trinity College to enter their residence.
Dublin City Council officials originally wanted a 24 hour, 7 day ban on traffic. Dublin city retailers are still concerned that the new traffic restrictions could cause job losses in the sector.
David McCormack, Dublin City Centre Business Association, says customers need to be reassured that the city remains open for business.
Dublin City Council says that the bus gate is part of a plan to discourage cross-city traffic. Opponents of the plan say that the council should have waited until infrastructural improvements were made to the city before the introduction of the bus gate. However, officials argue that the plan will have benefits for public transport.
Brendan O'Brien, Dublin City Council, says that Dublin Bus has identified seven traffic pinch points which they believe will be alleviated by this scheme.
It really is a scheme that has its own merits and deserves to be implemented.
The plan will be presented at the next full council meeting.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 21 April 2009. The reporter is John Kilraine.
