Dublin City Councillors voted last night to support divisive traffic restrictions as part of the planned €10 million College Green plaza project.
Last night’s vote, as reported by the Irish Times, is the latest sign of the council’s determination to redevelop College Green, despite significant opposition. The vote followed a decision by An Bord Pleanála on Thursday to postpone a hearing, which was due to take place today, on the project. The traffic restrictions were recommended by council chief executive Owen Keegan.
The public meeting was due to be held to discuss the council’s plans for the plaza, which would see all traffic, including buses and taxis, prohibited from entering Dame Street by College Green. The project was also delayed in November of last year by An Bord Pleanála after it requested more time for public consultation.
Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Dublin Bus have both strongly opposed the changes to College Green.
Keegan emphasised the importance of addressing the traffic issue surrounding the project, particularly with the introduction of the Luas Cross City line. Currently, bus routes are allowed to use the Luas tracks. However, with the introduction of new traffic restrictions, this practice could change.
As a result of the vote, Independent councillor Nial Ring put forward an emergency motion asking Keegan to wait for a rescheduled public meeting so the council does not override the authority of An Bord Pleanála or pre-empt a decision. This motion was defeated in a vote of 41 to 15.
Green Party councillor Ciarán Cuffe put forward a counter motion, calling on Keegan to deal with city centre traffic for the needs of citizens and visitors to the city in a sustainable manner. This motion succeeded with a vote of 47 to five.
The project will see College Green pedestrianised into a 7,300 square metre plaza. The space is projected to be able to fit 15,000 people. The original plan allowed buses and taxis to use the existing roads in the plaza, but this is doubtful with the new restrictions.
Correspondences between Trinity and Dublin City Council, obtained by The University Times through a freedom of information request, highlighted various College concerns regarding the pedestrianisation of the area. These included what the increase in visitors to the plaza could potentially mean, as well as access for foreign dignitaries, emergency services and access to the Provost’s residence at Number One Grafton St.
Regardless of these concerns, Trinity has persistently been supportive of the project. In an email to Dublin City Council, Pat McDonnell, Deputy Director in Estates and Facilities, said that “Trinity is fully supportive of Dublin City Council’s aim to create a civic space of international quality at College Green”.
