Plans for a pedestrian plaza in Dublin's College Green are to be the subject of an oral hearing in the New Year.
An Bord Pleanála has announced the hearing will begin on 9 January and is expected to last a number of days.
Dublin City Council originally wanted to re-arrange traffic flows under road management legislation.
But it agreed to seek an Environmental Impact Assessment and that means a ruling from the planning board after a number of city centre businesses threatened to go to the High Court.
A number of restrictions on private cars have already been introduced as part of the Cross City Luas such as a permanent 'busgate' on College Green, the reduction of available lanes on the Quays and a ban on a right turn from Bachelor's Walk to O'Connell Bridge.
However there is still controversy over plans to stop East West traffic movement of buses and taxis on Dame St/College Green to allow the plaza to be built.
Concern has been expressed about the rerouting of bus routes into Parliament Street in particular.
An Bord Pleanála asked Dublin City Council for further information on all aspects of the proposed changes.
The complexity of the case means it will go for a public oral hearing before a decision is made.
