TD Cian O’Callaghan of the Social Democrats has stated that Dublin City Council ought to have conducted an independent economic impact study of their suggested traffic plan, reports RTE.
The fact that one is now coming from a lobby organisation is problematic, he continued.
This comes after many business associations demanded that the proposal, which modifies the rules governing automobile traffic in Dublin’s city core, be put on hold.
According to research from throughout the world, it is “good for business and retail” when towns designate greater space for pedestrians, as Mr. O’Callaghan stated when speaking on RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne, reports RTE.
He also mentioned that since Capel Street became a pedestrian zone, there has been a 17% increase in foot traffic.
“Pedestrianising Grafton Street, Henry Street, and North Earl Street was controversial years ago, and no one ever suggests going back on that,” he stated. Capel Street caused a stir because of its effectiveness, reports RTE.
“When will there be greater room set aside for pedestrians? Proceed, do the task, then move on.”
The business organisations want the proposal to be halted until their concerns are taken into consideration. The adjustments were supposed to go into effect next month as part of a campaign to alleviate congestion and pollution, reports RTE.
The analysis, according to the chief executive of the alliance member Retail Excellence, was based on information from Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority.
Jean McCabe stated on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that companies are worried about their employees and means of subsistence.
“We’re fearing that it could result in a drop in retail spend, which would result in job losses, an increase in vacancy within the city, and that just brings in more unsocial behaviour,” she said, reports RTE.
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