DUBLIN, Ireland: In a bold move to transform Dublin's city center into a "low traffic environment," the draft Dublin City Centre Transport Plan 2023, jointly announced by Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority (NTA), is set to prohibit cars from certain city streets.

The plan aims to remove two out of every three cars in the city center that do not have a destination there.

Starting in 2024, the North and South Quays will be repurposed for public transport, walking, and cycling exclusively. New traffic arrangements along Westland Row will provide additional space for pedestrians and cyclists on Pearse Street, Tara Street, Beresford Place, and Gardiner Street. Parliament Street will be entirely car-free.

These measures will not only facilitate the creation of a new plaza at either Custom House Quay or Beresford Place but also introduce a 30kilometer/hour speed limit on all city center roads. Furthermore, the plan explores "alternative uses of road space at nighttime and weekends."

According to a council spokesperson, these traffic management measures prioritize pedestrians, public transport users, and cyclists, making use of reduced traffic volumes to allocate more space to sustainable modes.

The draft Dublin City Centre Transport Plan 2023 is part of the Dublin City Development Plan 2022 - 2028. It has undergone Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment as required by European Union directives and Irish legislation. The public consultation period for these plans will run until 5 pm on December 1.