Although it is still early days, traffic was “moving well” on the second day of the Dublin City Transport Plan. 

The new traffic restrictions came into effect yesterday morning, with private cars banned on a significant section of the Dublin Quays from 7am to 7pm. 

Buses, taxis, and cyclists can continue travelling normally, while diversions have been created for private cars. 

Some were concerned about how these diversions would affect movement in the city, but Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie saw no major difference on his own travels. 

“It’s moving surprisingly well,” he told The Pat Kenny Show. 

“I left Rathfarnham to come into the city centre around 8.20am and this would usually be peak rush-hour time. 

“I thought with some of the school traffic it would be a double whammy – the return of the school traffic along with these diversions taking place. 

“But I was in town in 15 minutes.” 

Beginning at Christchurch, Josh decided to take a ‘test drive’ to Clontarf. 

Previously, drivers could go straight down the quays towards Connolly Station before driving north to Clontarf through Fairview. 

Under the new transport plan, however, traffic is banned between 7am and 7pm after Bachelors Walk, with new diversions in place. 

New sign explaining diversions under the Dublin City Transport Plan. Image: Andrew Lowth

Josh said as he approached O’Connell Bridge – the cut-off point for traffic – there were several signs and staff guiding people to the new diversions. 

“I had to take a left there to go onto O'Connell Street and up by the Rotunda and out through the North Inner City by the North Strand,” he said. 

“And I have to be honest, there were no extra hold-ups due to the changes. 

“You would think with these new diversions, streets would become more blocked, the arteries around the diversions... [but] a little over 40 minutes from Rathfarnham to Clontarf, which would be about the average anyway. 

“It’s off to a good start.” 

Josh acknowledged that traffic may prove worse in the coming weeks as many return to school – or they have to drive to work.

“We know from a survey from Dublin Chamber that Thursday is the most popular day for people to work in the office,” he said. 

“All is yet to be seen how this pans out in the long-term – but I can safely say this morning as I look up and down the quays, traffic is moving well.” 

Concerns have been raised by the retail sector of Dublin city, with some claiming that the car diversion will reduce footfall into the city’s businesses. 

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