BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
Dublin is taking further steps to reduce private car traffic in its city centre, with new restrictions set to take effect this summer as part of the next phase of the Dublin City Transport Plan.
Following the success of last August’s initial rollout—which introduced daytime car bans on parts of the north and south quays—Dublin City Council has reported a “substantial and sustained” reduction in traffic volumes and faster bus journey times. The council now plans to implement similar changes on Westland Row and Parliament Street.
“The bus gates on the quays have been hugely successful,” said Green Party Councillor Feljin Jose. “The figures from Dublin Bus showing bus journey times on the quays going down by a third speak for themselves.”
What’s next: Westland Row and Parliament Street
Construction is already underway to make parts of Westland Row and Pearse Street more public-transport friendly. Only buses and cyclists will be allowed to turn left from Westland Row onto Pearse Street. At the same junction, a new right turn will be introduced, and Pearse Street heading east toward Sandwith Street will become two-way.
The council noted that “all of Westland Row and Pearse Street will still be accessible by all modes, with a different approach route being required for some areas.” The work is expected to take around ten weeks and should be completed by June.
Meanwhile, Parliament Street will be transformed into a largely traffic-free zone. A small section will remain open for access to disabled parking and Dublin’s Dolphin House courthouse, but the stretch from the quays to Lord Edward Street will be closed to general traffic. Traffic will still be allowed to move east between Essex Gate and Essex Street East.
Two-way cycling will be permitted, and a new link across Grattan Bridge to Capel Street is also planned, further enhancing the pedestrian and cyclist experience in the area.
Balancing accessibility with livability
Parliament Street’s partial pedestrianisation follows a format trialled during previous summers and is widely seen as a logical next step after the successful transformation of Capel Street into a car-free zone.
“I think the changes to Parliament Street are a no-brainer,” said Councillor Jose. “The street is full of cafés and restaurants that would benefit from pedestrianisation.”
Still, not everyone is fully convinced. Retailer Louis Copeland, who owns a shop on Capel Street, said the initial impact of the traffic changes was disruptive for businesses and shoppers.
“For the first couple of months, it impacted a lot because people are confused—they don’t know how to get from A to B,” Copeland said. “It’s starting to ease a bit, but I still say they should hold off for the time being. Hopefully, they don’t close off Parliament Street because that is an artery to get to the southside.”
A transport shift with long-term benefits
Despite concerns, city officials remain confident in the plan’s long-term value. Councillor Jose highlighted that even small changes in traffic flow can lead to meaningful improvements in public transport efficiency.
“Pearse Street is key for a lot of bus routes. A small number of cars are making that turn onto Pearse Street, but it has a huge impact on buses serving areas like Cabra, Blanchardstown, Drumcondra, Lucan, Liffey Valley, and Leixlip,” he said.
With public consultation ongoing and changes being communicated to residents and businesses, the city hopes that this next phase will continue to make Dublin more accessible, efficient, and enjoyable for all.
