College Green is pedestrianised for the first of three trial days removing cars from Dublin city centre.
College Green is one of the busiest traffic intersections in Dublin city centre. As part of the Dublin City Council ambition to open the space as a public plaza, the area is pedestrianised for the first of three trial days.
Public Transport is confined to a north-south route in front of Trinity College.
Brendan O'Brien who leads the mobility and traffic management division of Dublin City Council says as the city's population is growing,
We need to increase the space that is available for people to move through, to congregate, to experience this particular area.
Green Party Councillor Patrick Costello says the use of barriers is making it more difficult for people to cross the road, especially for wheelchair users.
Dublin City Council are using the barriers for safety measures. A woman is unhappy they prevent people from freely moving about the area but says,
I think maybe they are still fine-tuning the idea.
Generally, people are positive about the initiative and would like to see the area permanently pedestrianised,
There's a nice, relaxed vibe about the place.
Plans to pedestrianise the area permanently were turned down by An Bord Pleanála. Once Bus Connects network changes are announced, the Council will draw up plans for a new plaza scheme.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 21 July 2019. The reporter is John Kilraine.
