Dublin city council is looking to double the numbers walking and triple cycling in the capital, as it predicts an 80 per cent reduction in capacity on public transport.
While car traffic is expected to fall by around 30 per cent during the morning peak.
It's published it's mobility plan, alongside the National Transport Authority, as businesses prepare to reopen post Covid-19.
The city council has set out a series of temporary measures to increase space for social distancing, prioritising walking and cycling.
Key routes
It's identifed 14 key routes into the city centre that will see significant changes to traffic. Bus routes will be diverted, with fewer stops while speed limits may be cut on a number of routes to 30 km per hour.
Car parks will remain open in the city centre but alternatives, where motorists park on the outskirts of the city and walk or cycle the rest of their journey, are being looked at.
College Green
At College Green, space for walkers and cyclists will be increased and as bus services are diverted a phased pedestrianisation will be implemented.
The measures are expected to take effect over the next six to twelve months. The local authority says the temporary measures may change over time and more areas may be added.
Reaction
Th Dublin Commuter Coalition has welcomed the plans. Kevin Carter is chairperson;
"There will undoubtedly be pushback on such drastic proposals to reorganise the city. But it cannot be said often enough, there is simply not enough room for everyone to commute into Dublin by car. We must prioritise what little space we have to move as many people as possible."
