Traffic management measures to be introduced at College Green to develop public transport

Dublin City Council will introduce traffic management measures and on-street enhancements at College Green and Foster Place, Dublin 2 from Monday, May 29 under the new College Green Pathfinder Project.

The project aims will help alleviate public transport congestion in the city core, with the extension of the current College Green bus corridor hours, which at present operates from Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm, to a 7-day, 24 hour bus corridor, prioritising public transport at all times.

“This Pathfinder project will enhance the often overlooked area of Foster Place,” said the Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy.

“The traffic management measures will improve public transport times, as well as creating a more relaxing and inviting environment to enjoy our historic city centre. This is in accordance with the objective for College Green in the development plan 2022 – 2028.”

Each week over half a million pedestrians and two million passengers on public transport go through the College Green bus gate, the council says.

This compares with just 27,000 private vehicles.

“However, this small number of private vehicles causes significant delays to public transport journey times in the area, particularly in the evenings and at weekends when there are no restrictions.

“These new traffic management measures will reallocate the road space exclusively to sustainable modes of transport which account for 97 percent of current journeys through College Green.

“The College Green Pathfinder Project will also facilitate the interim enhancement of Foster Place, Dublin 2 – a hidden gem in the heart of the city.

“Nestled between some of the city’s most historic buildings, including the Bank of Ireland and the Irish Stock Exchange, the area will become a more inviting public space with planters and public seating. Access into Foster Place and the Foster Place disabled parking space will be retained.”

Taxis spaces will be reduced in Foster Place and increased instead at the main College Green taxi rank,

Increased interim footpath space (or buildouts) on Dame Street at Foster place will “create a safer and more enjoyable experience for the half a million pedestrians travelling through the area on a daily basis.

“The median opposite Church Lane will also be increased, removing the right turn from Church Lane to College Green. This median area will also be provided with interim public seating and planters.”

Speaking about the project, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said: “I am delighted to see this launch of the College Green Pathfinder Project – the first steps in delivering a long-awaited and innovative reimagining of the city core.

“This is the way all of the best cities in the world are moving – making more space for people, for active travel and for public transport and relieving our city centres of choking traffic.

“The Pathfinder Programme is all about accelerating transport projects that can deliver tangible and sustainable changes for communities and these interventions will do just that; contributing towards a more liveable and enjoyable city.”

Works on the enhancement for Foster Place will commence from Monday 29th of May 2023, as will the new traffic management measures.