Traffic-free Parliament Street to start next month

Dublin City Council has the announced that the transformation of Parliament Street will commence on Friday, July 4.

To celebrate the change of use of the space a market will be held on July 4, with family-friendly events scheduled to take place every weekend in July, starting on July 5.

The street is currently dominated by pedestrians, with up to 23,000 people passing through the street a day.

The proposed measure plans to permanently reallocate the space to walking and cycling whilst also providing greening and public seating.

This space will provide an attractive north-south pedestrian and cycle route between City Hall and Bolton Street by linking with Capel Street as well as being a link between the east and west areas of Temple Bar.

In a recent consultation (May 2025) 90% of respondents were in favour of enhancing public space and enabling two-way cycling.

Feedback from engagement with businesses and residents, the public consultation and a presentation to the South East Area committee has been positive, with the majority describing a desire for fewer cars and more space for people.

Many referenced the success of Capel Street as a positive example, noting increased vibrancy, improved atmosphere, and greater footfall for local businesses.

Respondents repeatedly mentioned that the proposed measures would make Parliament Street safer and more pleasant for walking and cycling, encourage families and children to visit, and create opportunities for outdoor seating, socialising, and community events.

The works for the interim improvements (seating, planting and surfacing) will commence on July 7 and will take place during the summer.

This is the third measure contained in the Dublin City Transport Plan 2023.

Background information

The traffic movements in the area will be as follows:

• Between Essex Quay and Essex Gate – this section of Parliament Street will be permanently Traffic Free with only pedestrians and cyclists permitted in this space. The road level in this section will also be raised to the existing kerb level.
• The current west to east traffic flow between Essex Gate and Essex Street East will remain open for all vehicles at all times.
• The section of Parliament Street between Essex Gate and Lord Edward Street will be Traffic Free with deliveries allowed between 6am and 11am daily.
• Two-way cycling will be permitted on Parliament Street.
• A new two-way cycling link will be created on the east side of Grattan Bridge. The traffic lanes will be reduced to one right turn lane only on the bridge.
• A two-way cycling link will be created on the east side of Capel Street between the quays and Strand Street Little. Northbound cycling will also be permitted on Capel Street to complete a full 2 way cycling link between Dame Street and Bolton Street.
• These traffic management measures are being implemented to meet the policies and objectives of the Dublin City Development Plan 2022 – 2028 as set out in the Dublin City Centre Transport Plan 2023.