Dublin Chamber has cautiously welcomed the new pedestrianisation and traffic management plans outlined by Dublin City Council in their draft transport plan for the City Centre, which is broadly consistent with the Chamber’s business priorities for the city. These priorities include Dublin continuing to be a world class city where people can live, work, socialise and run a business. Dublin Chamber believes that with the correct mix of pedestrianisation, quality public transport and a sense of safety this plan can deliver this.

Speaking on the draft plan, Aebhric McGibney, Director of Public and International Affairs said “Dublin Chamber have been consistent supporters of infrastructure projects that continue to ensure that Dublin is a place where people and businesses thrive. Large scale projects such as those contained in the Dublin City Centre Traffic Plan can provide attractive public spaces where people live and engage in the city in a positive way. These spaces can be used for cultural activities, focal points for tourism and areas where Dubliners can stop and enjoy their city. Our advocacy for pedestrian-friendly initiatives over the years, including our push for a 15-minute city model, support for major infrastructure projects like the Luas expansion, the Greater Dublin Area Cycling Plan, and the Busconnects Core Bus Corridors, amongst many other initiatives, showcases our dedication over the years to actualise the Chamber's vision for a city where commerce, community, and culture thrive in harmoniously designed public spaces”.

Mr. McGibney continued, “Effective urban design to enable the potential of these plans is crucial. We believe this involves creating spaces with ample street furniture, segregated lanes for buses and cycles, and proper lighting. Ensuring safety through thoughtful design, visible policing, and active community presence is essential for maintaining the vibrancy of our city.”

"In Dublin Chamber’s submission on the Draft plan we have stated that while we support the plan there needs to be a balanced permeability to allow deliveries to be made to retail stores such as is the case on Grafton Street and Henry St, there also needs to be collaboration with other agencies that are undertaking large infrastructure projects in the city such as Eirgrid and Irish water to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum."

Mr McGibney concluded, “If implemented with the correct mix of active travel lanes, high frequency segregated bus corridors, and sufficient car parking spaces for elderly or infirm users who need cars to enter the city core, this draft plan can be transformative for all who use the City”.

-Ends-

Note to Editors: Please click here to view our submission to Dublin City Council in full. 

For further information, please contact:

Órla Mannion | Public Affairs Manager | Dublin Chamber | orla@dublinchamber.ie

About Dublin Chamber: Dublin Chamber is Ireland’s largest chamber of commerce with over 1,300 member companies. It is the most representative and broadly-based business group in the Greater Dublin Area, providing representation and networking services. Its policy work focuses on developing the Dublin region’s infrastructure & transport, promoting competitiveness, and improving local governance. Dublin Chamber is also one of the oldest chambers of commerce in the world, tracing its origins back to 1782.