Ryan says it is time to “take the leap” for better transport in Dublin

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said it is time to “take the leap” for a better transport system in Dublin.

Ryan told The Journal that the planned overhaul of city centre roads will “revitalise” the capital, and that “Dublin is a special place, let’s not lose it.”

Dublin City Council and transport officials recently announced a draft plan aimed at reducing traffic congestion in Dublin City Centre.

Two new “bus gates” would be introduced on the quays close to O’Connell Bridge, one on the northside at Bachelors’ Walk preventing cars and lorries from heading east towards the Custom House and the docklands.

The other bus gate would be on Aston Quay on the southside, stopping private traffic from travelling from O’Connell Bridge in the direction of Heuston Station.

Members of the public are being encouraged to engage with the consultation process, which will be open until December 1st.

Dublin “needs real change” in areas surrounding transport said Ryan, adding that the new plans will help “transform” the city as well as making it a ”safer, cleaner and more attractive place” to visit and to live in.

“We’re not looking to restrict access,” he said, adding that it is still important that goods and people can travel through the city centre.

The Minister claimed that about 60% of the traffic that goes through the city centre is through traffic.

“So I suppose that’s the question? Pearse Street, Tara Street, the Quays, are they motorways or are they places which we are really, really proud of, these beautiful city centre streets? I think it’s the latter,” he told reporters in New York.

He said the plan would not be “forced” on local authorities, and said that that anyone who disagrees with the plan or makes a submission “will be listened to,” and that tweaks can be made to the proposed plans.