Initial stages of the Dublin City Centre Transport Plan (DCCTP) took effect on August 25, causing significant changes to traffic flow in the city centre.
Managed by Dublin City Council (DCC), in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA), the plan aims to reduce vehicular traffic in the city by prioritising walking, cycling, and public transport.
The new traffic management measures were introduced to the north quays on Bachelors Walk and the south quays on Burgh Quay and Aston Quay. Road marking and signage changes were also implemented along these routes.
Hours of operation for the traffic flow changes are between 7am and 7pm Monday to Sunday. Outside these hours, traffic restrictions will halt, allowing all vehicles to operate as per previous traffic norms.
On Bachelors Walk, general traffic must now turn left at the O’Connell Street junction. Only buses, taxis, and cyclists are permitted to continue to Eden Quay and, as before, turn right to O’Connell Bridge.
The bus stop servicing tour buses will be removed on Bachelors Walk, but disabled bays, loading bays, and taxi spaces will not be affected.
On the south quays, general traffic along Burgh Quay is now forced to turn right onto O’Connell Bridge or left onto D’Olier Street. Only buses, taxis, and cyclists are permitted to continue straight ahead to Aston Quay.
Vehicles accessing O’Connell Bridge via Burgh Quay are still permitted to turn right onto Eden Quay.
From Westmoreland Street, only buses, taxis, and cyclists are permitted to make a left turn onto Aston Quay.
Access to disabled bays and loading bays will remain unchanged in these locations.
DCCTP is part of the Dublin City Development Plan 2022-2028 and aims to address issues of “through traffic” in city centre.
DCC states the plan serves to address the “60% of general traffic in the city centre that is not stopping, working or shopping but is travelling through the city,” causing congestion and gridlock.
The new traffic management measures are permanent but will be monitored for efficacy.
Further changes to the city’s traffic management and public transport will follow as the development plan is fully implemented.
