'Bus gate' ban lifted temporarily

The temporary lifting of the evening traffic restrictions around Dublin’s College Green begins today and will continue until January 15th.

Dublin city councillors voted earlier this month to suspend the ban on private cars passing through the area during peak evening hours for two months to cover the Christmas shopping period and January sales.

The council had come under increasing pressure from city-centre retailers to scale back the “bus gate” on College Green, despite a notable reduction in bus journey times on busy commuter routes.

Until today, cars have been excluded from the bus corridor from 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday. The morning restriction will remain in place.

The bus corridor remains the subject of a High Court action brought against the council by a number of city-centre business interests which claim they have witnessed a significant fall in trade since the introduction of the restriction in July.

Minister for the Environment John Gormley and Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey have expressed their disappointment at the council's decision.

Brendan O’Brien from the council’s traffic division said: “Dublin is open this winter – for business and pleasure, shopping and leisure. Dublin City Council decided to change the operating hours of the College Green bus corridor for the Christmas period, and today we’re asking all Dublin to familiarise themselves with the new arrangements.”

“Dublin City is well worth a visit – for lights, festive atmosphere, fun, value and excitement of the season. Dublin has never been more accessible, and the city has a unique offering for every member of the family - from the youngest to the oldest and everyone in between.”