There is division in the Malahide community over the permanent pedestrianisation of a street in the north Dublin village.
Traffic on New Street was temporarily banned in June 2020 until September 2020 to facilitate outdoor dining during the pandemic.
It was pedestrianised again last summer for the same reason and Fingal County Council has now secured funding for the street's permanent pedestrianisation.
Dublin Live spoke to Malahide locals about the issue and they had mixed opinions on whether or not the street should be cut off to traffic.
One person said: "I absolutely am (in favour). I think that Fingal County Council need to do a bit more work to make it more accessible for people to be able to sit outside as people do in Europe.
"So if they put up more awnings, heating, lighting, then it would be a great area for people to socialise in and socialise safely."
Another local told Dublin Live: "I wasn't very sure at the start but I really love it now.
"I think it could become a lot more attractive, we need a lot more flowers, we'd need French type shelters coming out from the premises and some heaters. I think it's lovely now, it served us well for the pandemic."
Another said she has had "no say" in the decision.
She said: "I think it's disgraceful that the residents have absolutely no say in the process. We're looking for our statutory rights.
"At the moment it seems the only people who are benefiting from it are pubs. I'm living here all my life and I have absolutely no say in anything that's going on in the Council. We're just being told that it's happening."
Fingal County Council invited the public to make submissions on the proposal online earlier this year.
An employee of Bianco Boutique, a business on the street, said that the pedestrianisation has led to more sales.
She said: "I think been a great idea and a great success from the point of view that Malahide has become a tourist destination.
"They're walking around and the shop has never been so busy."
A spokesperson for Fingal County Council said: "Fingal County Council is committed to the permanent pedestrianisation of New Street. Our vision for New Street is an expertly-designed public area that complements the Village Green and enhances the heart of Malahide for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors alike.
"When the council present the plans for permanent pedestrianisation, they will be subject to the statutory planning process. This will include a Public Consultation that will give residents, businesses and other stakeholders an opportunity to comment on those plans.
"Earlier this week the National Transport Authority announced, as part of the allocation of 2022 Active Travel Investment Grants, that Fingal County Council is to receive €500,000 towards the New Street Permanent Scheme. This now allows us to go out to tender for consultants to commence the preparation of plans for the permanent pedestrianisation of New Street. The tender is expected to issue in February and be awarded in March of this year."
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