These updates aim to reduce congestion, prioritise public transport, and create more space for pedestrians and cyclists.
Here are the next three key changes to Dublin’s traffic flows coming into effect this year.
Pearse Street/Westland Row – Left turn ban
The changes will have a major impact on Pearse Street. Pic: Dublin City Council
The first major change is expected in the first half of this year. It will involve a ban on private traffic turning left from Westland Row into Pearse Street.
Civil works at the junction will include new traffic islands and adjustments to improve the flow of traffic, while a new right-hand turn will allow vehicles to head east on a newly introduced two-way stretch of Pearse Street.
This change, set to take effect between April and June, is part of efforts to reduce congestion on Pearse and Tara Street and alleviate traffic pressure in this busy area of the city centre.
Tara Street – Enhancing public transport
In conjunction with the changes to traffic flows on Pearse Street, further adjustments will be made on Tara Street to prioritise public transport and ensure smoother bus operations.
Changes to Tara Street with prioritise public transport and cycling. Pic: Dublin City Council
As part of this ongoing effort, the number of lanes will be reduced and space for cyclists and pedestrians will be increased, improving the overall flow of people in this central area.
The changes in this area are also being made to prepare for the planned construction of Metrolink in the future.
Parliament Street – Traffic-free after 11am
A major transformation is planned for Parliament Street, with the aim of making it completely traffic-free after 11am.
This move is part of the city’s broader efforts to create more pedestrian spaces and reduce congestion.
However, there’s a challenge to the implementation of this plan due to the number 69 bus route, which currently serves the street.
As part of the National Transport Authority’s Bus Connects network redesign, the route will be eliminated, clearing the way for the transformation of the street into a car-free zone.
Once this bus route is removed, plans to create a public plaza on Parliament Street will move forward.
Parliament Street will have a car-free corridor introduced, replicating the successful Capel Street scheme, with provisions for deliveries and a two-way cycle link.
Parliament Street plans include a car-free corridor and a two way cycle link. Pic: Dublin City Council
Meanwhile, other proposals coming further down the line include removing traffic between Eden Quay and Talbot Memorial Bridge and creating a Custom House Plaza for public events and tourism.
There are also plans to transform different areas such as College Green and Dame Street into vibrant pedestrian plazas.
Brendan O’Brien, acting executive traffic manager at Dublin City Council, said: “The vast majority of people in Dublin are moving by public transport, walking and cycling.
“Dublin can’t build its way out of congestion. We can’t build roads to meet the growing demand of the city. Therefore, the way the city demand would be met will be public transport, walking and cycling.
“Particularly, right in the heart of the city centre, the priorities really are to try and improve the space for pedestrians, to ensure public transport works as efficiently as possible, to make some room for cycling, for making the place a nicer public ground,” he added.
