Traffic ban comes into effect on one of the Northside’s busiest commuter routes

Padraig Conlon 08 Aug 2022

North Strand this morning. Picture credit: Paul Reardon

From this morning a ban on cars using North Strand to reach the city centre came into force.

The North Strand Road will be closed on the inbound side to private vehicles for over a year while the construction of a cycle lane and upgrading of the water mains gets underway.

Northside motorists are facing restrictions and diversions into 2024.

This morning, commuters got a preview of the decision to close a traffic lane from Fairview to the Five Lamps and restrict local residents access to the main road.

Luke Kelly Bridge this morning. Picture credit: Paul Reardon

Out from 7am to survey the first day of the imposed changes, Local Councillor Nial Ring said he felt motorists and local residents of North Strand and Ballybough have been made ‘the fall guys’ in this case and predicted that, when the holidays are over and the schools are back, there will, unless DCC acts now, be absolute traffic turmoil and record tailbacks every day.

“It was relatively quiet this morning as cars were diverted through Ballybough but there were still waves of tailbacks at different times and the level of frustration and anger expressed by all commuters was very evident,” Councillor Ring said.

“Groups representing people with disabilities are also annoyed and frustrated by the ignoring of their particular needs at bus stops.

“As if the lack of communication was not enough, we have now discovered an extra sneaky and underhand move, insofar as the “bus lane only” from Fairview to the Five Lamps has been extended to a 24/7 facility from the standard finish at 7pm and open on Sundays.

“This is absolutely outrageous and is really treating road users, local businesses and the local community who have had these new restrictions foisted on them, with absolute contempt.

“I have asked but am now demanding that this bus lane operating hours be brought back to morning peak time only (7am to 10am).

“This will cause more than enough disruption in itself but represents a compromise which will give local residents some relief and access to the main street outside their doors and also lessen the use of Ballybough Road somewhat.

“I have spoken with the Chair of the City Council Transport Committee (Cllr. Noeleen Reilly) and asked her to convene a meeting of the committee as soon as practical, and to invite local North Inner City and Clontarf councillors as well as officials to it so that we get a solution to this self-made fiasco” Cllr Ring continued.

“Unfortunately, so far the response from Dublin City Council has been one of astounding arrogance, with an attitude of “we know what’s best” coupled with the usual disdain for private motorists who, in the opinion of DCC, should abandon their cars and either walk, cycle or use public transport to go about their business, if only it were that simple!” he concluded.