Dublin’s retail sector is 'too fragile' for a 'trial and error' transport plan, the head of Retail Excellence has claimed.
The Dublin City Transport Plan came into effect on Sunday in an attempt to reduce traffic congestion in the centre.
From 7am to 7pm, private cars can no longer drive down the north quays after Bachelor’s Walk and down the south quays after Burgh Quay.
Buses, taxis, and cyclists can continue travelling normally, while diversions have been created for private cars.
Retail Excellence CEO Jean McCabe told Newstalk Breakfast the real test will come when schools return next week.
"It's difficult to predict what this morning will be like but I think when it's the full return to school and everyone gets back to work then we'll see how the traffic plan is working out," she said.
"We're really concerned about the car user and how they travel into the city - anything that diverts them elsewhere could have a negative effect on retail.
"When you consider how important the car user is to retailers - they spend over 60% more than other transport users and some retailers report up to 40% of sales would come from customers travelling in by car".
People walked by a closed Ted Baker on Dublin's Grafton Street, 20-8-24. Image: Sasko Lazarov/© RollingNews.ieMs McCabe acknowledged while the transport plan is aimed at people driving through the city and not into it, she said any barrier for customers will likely drive them away.
"Retail were not consulted as part of this plan which has been a concern for the very beginning," she said.
"I don't know if you've walked down Grafton Street lately but there's nearly 19 empty units on it currently.
"The sector, as we've argued from the very beginning, is too fragile right now for a trial and error approach.
"If it becomes a challenge getting anywhere [customers] will go elsewhere".
Ms McCabe said other cities that have implemented similar transport plans have had to change them "because they got it wrong on the first iteration".
Ms McCabe added that everyone has the same vision "for a thriving and vibrant Dublin city".
