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Irish Independent
05-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘Continental feel' as Dublin's Parliament Street is pedestrianised permanently
While a busker's notes of Dreams by Fleetwood Mac rung out on the street, businesses and pedestrians alike enjoyed the newly pedestrianised street. The street is now permanently reallocated as a walking and cycling space, with the road between Essex Quay and Essex Gate a no-go for cars. The section of Parliament Street between Essex Gate and Lord Edward Street will be traffic-free with deliveries allowed between 6am and 11am daily. Two pedestrians who happened upon the street, just learning of its pedestrianisation, were Rachel Coffey and Donal Milton from Terenure. Ms Coffey said: 'It's lovely, less traffic, you can meander the street now. It has quite a continental feel. 'I think it will make the city a lot safer. The amount of pedestrians around versus taxis, it's definitely a benefit.' With bunting set up and stalls selling arts and crafts and jewellery, both locals and tourists wandered around taking pictures and enjoying the atmosphere. Francis Leavy, artist and owner of Fab Cow on Exchange Street, just parallel to Parliament Street, anticipates the move giving a boost to business. He said: "I hope this will bring more people to the centre of town. I hope over time there will be more streets to follow suit, especially if more public transport infrastructure is put in place. 'The pedestrianisation will add time on to journeys for sure, it's a main thoroughfare. Although hopefully, over time, that will work itself out.' Another happy businessman is Martin Hart, CEO of the Temple Bar Company. He has worked in partnership with Dublin City Council to organise the market as well as the Summer in Dublin Festival series, which will take place every weekend in July on Parliament Street. "It's lovely to stand in the middle of Parliament Street in front of City Hall on a Friday afternoon in July and take in the city, we're very happy', he said. Another pedestrian enjoying the street was Donal Ewj Robinson-Ryan who is based in the city centre. He said: 'Hopefully this will be good for businesses. 'Currently, I go down to Capel Street very warily, I hope this street will mean more police will be on duty. 'Hopefully, the city planners will have managed the traffic correctly too. People need access to get in and to shop, or else the people in the city will lose out to the centres outside of the city like Blanchardstown and Kildare. They've lost a lot of business because people don't have access, they can't get in.' There is concern from taxi drivers that the newly pedestrianised street will limit access to the city centre from the south side and add to traffic. A taxi driver who wished to remain anonymous said that it will 'definitely add to congestion in the city'. "It will be fine at the moment with all the schools closed, but the minute schools open on the 28th of August, cars won't be able to move in the city centre.' Dublin City Council senior executive engineer Claire French said there are a number of existing routes in place which will manage the traffic flow. She said: 'We trialled this back in 2021, and we did Capel Street in 2022, and then businesses and residents wanted to see it here. We had a number of things to work through traffic management-wise - we had to remove the bus route that was on the street, and now that's all fallen into place, its the right time. 'The volume of traffic had drastically reduced after we pedestrianised Capel Street anyway, so now we're not allowing traffic through at all during the day. "There are alternative routes around the quays, Fishamble Street and back around, and local access is maintained throughout, so it shouldn't be a big change for motorists', she added. From 7 July, works will begin to add seating and plants and to resurface the road. Also, two-way cycling will now be permitted on Parliament Street, and a new two-way cycling link will be created on the east side of Grattan Bridge. The traffic lanes will be reduced to one right turn lane only on the bridge. A two-way cycling link will also be created on the east side of Capel St between the quays and Strand Street Little. Northbound cycling will also be permitted on Capel Street to complete a full two-way cycling link between Dame Street and Bolton Street. Meanwhile, the current west-to-east traffic flow between Essex Gate and Essex Street East will remain open for all vehicles at all times. In a survey by Dublin City Council in May 90pc of respondents were in favour of the plan and the option for two-way cycling. The South East Area committee reported positive engagement from businesses and residents, with the majority in support of fewer cars and more space for pedestrians.
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Opinions split as Parliament Street pedestrianised permanently
While a busker's notes of Dreams by Fleetwood Mac rung out on the street, businesses and pedestrians alike enjoyed the newly pedestrianised street. The street is now permanently reallocated as a walking and cycling space, with the road between Essex Quay and Essex Gate a no-go for cars. The section of Parliament Street between Essex Gate and Lord Edward Street will be traffic-free with deliveries allowed between 6am and 11am daily. Two pedestrians who happened upon the street, just learning of its pedestrianisation, were Rachel Coffey and Donal Milton from Terenure. Ms Coffey said: 'It's lovely, less traffic, you can meander the street now. It has quite a continental feel. 'I think it will make the city a lot safer. The amount of pedestrians around versus taxis, it's definitely a benefit.' With bunting set up and stalls selling arts and crafts and jewellery, both locals and tourists wandered around taking pictures and enjoying the atmosphere. Francis Leavy, artist and owner of Fab Cow on Exchange Street, just parallel to Parliament Street, anticipates the move giving a boost to business. He said: "I hope this will bring more people to the centre of town. I hope over time there will be more streets to follow suit, especially if more public transport infrastructure is put in place. 'The pedestrianisation will add time on to journeys for sure, it's a main thoroughfare. Although hopefully, over time, that will work itself out.' ADVERTISEMENT Another happy businessman is Martin Hart, CEO of the Temple Bar Company. He has worked in partnership with Dublin City Council to organise the market as well as the Summer in Dublin Festival series, which will take place every weekend in July on Parliament Street. "It's lovely to stand in the middle of Parliament Street in front of City Hall on a Friday afternoon in July and take in the city, we're very happy', he said. Another pedestrian enjoying the street was Donal Ewj Robinson-Ryan who is based in the city centre. He said: 'Hopefully this will be good for businesses. 'Currently, I go down to Capel Street very warily, I hope this street will mean more police will be on duty. 'Hopefully, the city planners will have managed the traffic correctly too. People need access to get in and to shop, or else the people in the city will lose out to the centres outside of the city like Blanchardstown and Kildare. They've lost a lot of business because people don't have access, they can't get in.' There is concern from taxi drivers that the newly pedestrianised street will limit access to the city centre from the south side and add to traffic. A taxi driver who wished to remain anonymous said that it will 'definitely add to congestion in the city'. "It will be fine at the moment with all the schools closed, but the minute schools open on the 28th of August, cars won't be able to move in the city centre.' Dublin City Council senior executive engineer Claire French said there are a number of existing routes in place which will manage the traffic flow. She said: 'We trialled this back in 2021, and we did Capel Street in 2022, and then businesses and residents wanted to see it here. We had a number of things to work through traffic management-wise - we had to remove the bus route that was on the street, and now that's all fallen into place, its the right time. 'The volume of traffic had drastically reduced after we pedestrianised Capel Street anyway, so now we're not allowing traffic through at all during the day. "There are alternative routes around the quays, Fishamble Street and back around, and local access is maintained throughout, so it shouldn't be a big change for motorists', she added. From 7 July, works will begin to add seating and plants and to resurface the road. Also, two-way cycling will now be permitted on Parliament Street, and a new two-way cycling link will be created on the east side of Grattan Bridge. The traffic lanes will be reduced to one right turn lane only on the bridge. A two-way cycling link will also be created on the east side of Capel St between the quays and Strand Street Little. Northbound cycling will also be permitted on Capel Street to complete a full two-way cycling link between Dame Street and Bolton Street. Meanwhile, the current west-to-east traffic flow between Essex Gate and Essex Street East will remain open for all vehicles at all times. In a survey by Dublin City Council in May 90pc of respondents were in favour of the plan and the option for two-way cycling. The South East Area committee reported positive engagement from businesses and residents, with the majority in support of fewer cars and more space for pedestrians.
The Journal
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Temple Bar's 'Love Lane' restored over a decade on from its installation
DUBLIN'S 'LOVE LANE' in Temple Bar has officially been restored, over a decade after its initial installation in 2014. The lane, which is located in Crampton Court, was restored by the original artist Anna Doran, supported by Dublin City Council and the Temple Bar Company. The lane is comprised of tiles bearing deconstructed hearts and short messages. There are over 100 public contributions that are displayed on tiles on the lane, which include quotes, poems, lyrics and dedications. There are hundreds of tiles on the lane. Over the years, the lane has been subject to graffiti and damage. In 2018, it was revamped by Doran, and this year it has been redesigned to 'better withstand the challenges of being a public mural and to ensure its longevity.' Love is alive in Dublin! ❤️ As part of the 'Love The Lanes' initiative, Dublin City Council and the Temple Bar Company celebrate Anna Doran's restoration of 'Love Lane' in Crampton Court. This vibrant pathway features over 100 public contributions of quotes, poems, and… — Dublin City Council (@DubCityCouncil) June 11, 2025 Speaking during the restoration in a video put out by the council, Doran said: 'I get lots of different types of quotes. Some of them are poetry, some of them are lyrics from songs, some of them are quite Dublin quotes, like, 'you're a smasher, two eggs and a rasher'.' Advertisement Some other messages on tiles include 'You're bleedin' deadly' and 'Le ghrá, anois agus go deo'. 'What I find really amazing is how people when they submit their quote for their time they'll tell me the background behind each of the tiles. So every single tile here has a story behind it and it's really special.' Doran said that it was her fourth time doing the lane. The same concept and design has been maintained but this time, the lane has been fully tiled using custom tiles for outdoor use. These were installed by professional tiler Dan Milici, aiming to significantly extend the mural's lifespan. The lane pictured in October 2023. AlexMastro / Alamy Stock Photo AlexMastro / Alamy Stock Photo / Alamy Stock Photo 'I think the public are going to be really excited about this new phase of Love Lane,' Doran said. The lane has long been a popular spot in the city for tourists and others hoping to take pictures – it is not unusual to see newlyweds posing for pictures in front of the tiles. Doran added that she never would've imagined that her outdoor artwork would become so popular. 'Love Lane has long been a heartfelt tribute to Dublin—a lane created for the people, by the people. It celebrates the city's spirit and community.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Extra.ie
30-05-2025
- Business
- Extra.ie
Tourist spending drops by €43m as visits fall
Ireland is known as the land of a thousand welcomes, but a dispute has broken out over exactly how many people are actually availing of it. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) said the numbers visiting were down by more than 21,000 in April compared to a year earlier – of decline of almost 4% – and the amount they spent had dropped by almost €43million, or just over 10%.to Paul Keeley, Fáilte Ireland's director of regional development, said: 'We are talking to CSO. And we're talking to industry, we're talking to a number of independent research companies, trying to crash various data sources together to get the best possible picture as to how the season is trending.' Ireland is known as the land of a thousand welcomes, but a dispute has broken out over exactly how many people are actually availing of it. Pic: Getty Images However, Martin Harte, chief executive of the Temple Bar Company, told a recent meeting of Dublin City councillors the overseas visitor numbers at the city's TradFest in January were up 8%. 'I think there's probably a little bit of confusion over visitor numbers and their impact,' he said. 'Business appears to be the same if not slightly ahead of this time last year.' Martin Harte, chief executive of the Temple Bar Company. Pic: Collins The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation and the Irish Hotels Federation were also due to meet the CSO, it was reported. However, the CSO said it 'is confident the trends reported in the Inbound Tourism series reflect real trends in overseas visitor numbers'. A CSO spokesman added: 'Monthly results for overseas overnight visitor numbers have been showing a consistent year-on-year trend in recent months. 'In September 2024, the survey reported a decrease of 1% on the previous September, and the amount by which the year-on-year comparison has fallen has increased in each successive month since then. O'Connell Street in Dublin. Pic: Getty Images 'The visitor numbers reported for January 2025 showed a fall of 25% compared with January 2024. January and February would be considered as part of the low season for tourism.' The CSO said one of the reasons for the fall in inbound tourism was that the figures were coming from a high base. 'January and February 2024 had a higher-than-usual rate of tourist numbers, which means the falls noted in 2025 are against this relatively high base,' it added. 'In February, the estimated number of visitors from North America (USA and Canada) and from mainland Europe (Europe excluding the UK) were down by more than 30%. The number of visitors from Great Britain fell by just under a quarter (24%). 'What we can see from the data is this downward trend started in September 2024
