Campaigners have called for more space be given to pedestrians and cyclists during the Covid 19 restrictions.
They say empty roads and busy footpaths show a new balance needs to be struck.
Traffic volumes have fallen and many footpaths are busy with people taking their daily exercise or going about their business.
Sometimes people are stepping out onto the road as they try to stay the required two metres away from others.
Cyclists say they too need more space to pass each other and pedestrians at a safe distance.
Campaign groups and some councillors are calling on local authorities here to follow the example of officials in the UK, Germany, the United States and Colombia and reallocate traffic lanes for use by pedestrians and cyclists.
Dublin City Council said it has had a number of queries on this but at the moment pedestrian volumes are low. It said if there are specific locations that need to be assessed it will do so.
Meanwhile, there are plans to cordon off road space in Dublin to cater for on-street queues caused by social distancing.
It is understood that the measures are to be introduced in areas such as Rathmines and Ranelagh where queues outside supermarkets on narrow footpaths are causing pedestrian congestion.
Dublin City Council Chief Executive Owen Keegan said in a letter to councillors that bollards may be used to cordon off sections of the road to allow pedestrians to pass more freely and to facilitate social distancing.
"Given the reduction in vehicular traffic, it is being suggested that we reallocate road space to prioritise pedestrians and possibly cyclists" he said.
Independent councillor Mannix Flynn said social distancing is difficult when there is no room and added "people are getting irate and you have arguments breaking out and the problem is then who polices the footpath?"
Mr Keegan said that a significant number of councillors from all political groups have made representations on the issue.
He said a list of locations is being assessed for interventions and more detailed plans will be available by the end of the week.
Cork City Council is also being called upon to relocate road space for walkers and cyclists.
The city's four Green Party councillors made the appeal in a letter to Chief Executive Ann Doherty.
Lorna Bogue, Dan Boyle, Colette Finn and Oliver Moran say these changes would make social distancing easier - and safer - for people walking or cycling to shops or essential work.
With restrictions on travel in place, traffic is said to be down an estimated 75% in the city.
The councillors pointed to works introduced in other countries including Canada where streets in Winnipeg have been closed to through traffic with temporary cones, signs and bollards to allow space for exercise.
Councillor Bogue said that even though there is less traffic on the roads, cars are travelling faster posing a danger to walkers trying to socially distance.
"As a city, we must innovate and respond to changed circumstances to provide a public realm that is inclusive and safe now for all those who live, work and use the city," she said.
The issue is expected to be raised at a City Council briefing this afternoon.
Reporting John Kilraine, Colman O'Sullivan and Jennie O'Sullivan
