Dublin Corporation introduces a traffic plan prioritising public transport, pedestrians and cyclists.
Dublin Corporation unveils the details of a radical new traffic plan for the city centre which gives significant additional priority to public transport, pedestrians and cyclists. This plan follows the introduction of a new network of Quality Bus Corridors.
From 2 April 2001, the changes, which affect northbound traffic, will see no right turn from South Great George's Street to Dame Street, except for taxis, bicycles and motorbikes. There will be no left turn from Dawson Street to Nassau Street, with the same exceptions. Car parks at Drury Street, St Stephen's Green Centre and the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland will have new access points. There will be a reduction to two lanes on the northbound carriageway of O'Connell Street between Henry Street and the old Carlton cinema.
Owen Keegan of Dublin Corporation says that this plan cannot solve the capital's traffic woes.
There is no solution to the traffic problem that allows for accommodating peak-time commuter car traffic.
He believes motorists need to face up to this reality and get behind the solutions put forward by Dublin Corporation.
Policy and communications manager at Dublin Chamber of Commerce Cian Connaughton, thinks the new traffic plan will be good for city centre businesses.
It means people will be able to get to work on time and reduce congestion.
Dublin Corporation acknowledges when introduced the new plan will probably lead to some congestion in the short term until motorists get used to the alternative route. However, they insist it will make living, working and shopping in the city centre more pleasant.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 13 March 2001. The reporter is Flor MacCarthy.
