Debate Intensifies Over Dublin City Centre Car Ban

A dispute has emerged between Fine Gael and The Greens regarding a new policy to restrict private cars from Dublin city centre starting next month. Junior Business Minister Emer Higgins is urging Dublin City Council to delay Dublin City Centre car ban until after Christmas, which a Green Party councillor has criticised as a “bizarre last-minute intervention.”

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The strategy will restrict private vehicles from Bachelor’s Walk and Aston Quay but allow access for buses, taxis, cyclists, and pedestrians. Despite the plan being approved by councillors last November and following public consultations by the DCC, business owners have raised concerns about its potential impact.

Ministers Debate Timing of Dublin City Centre Car Ban Amid Economic and Public Transport Concerns

Minister Higgins, addressing these concerns, emphasised the need to protect jobs, especially during the holiday season. She stated, “We need to ensure the timing is right, considering further consultation with retailers and the implementation of Bus Connects.”

On the other hand, Green Party Minister Roderic O’Gorman believes it is too late to delay the plan, highlighting its importance for improving commuter and public transport access to the city. Transport Minister Eamon Ryan supported local decision-making power, pointing out that the city council has twice decided in favour of the plan and that delaying it now would disappoint Dublin residents.

Fianna Fail’s James Lawless also supported moving forward with the plans, stressing the necessity of better connectivity in Dublin and the role of local government in making such decisions.