Dublin City Council is inviting members of the public, residents and business owners to submit feedback on the recent pedestrianisation of Capel Street.
The North Dublin street was officially declared traffic free in May, making it the longest pedestrianised thoroughfare in the city. Dublin City Council estimates that pedestrian use of Capel Street gone up by 12 per cent since May , while the number of cyclists in the area has risen by 20 per cent.
Several consultations were carried out before and during the pedestrianisation of the street, with around 89 per cent of recipients saying in one survey that they were happy with the measures.
READ MORE: Legal challenge to Capel Street pedestrianisation coming 'shortly', Cllr says
The news of the traffic free measures was mostly received positively, although some businesses were concerned that the move would reduce footfall in the local area.
Rory O'Neill, owner of the popular Pantibar, told Dublin Live recently the traffic ban will benefit all businesses and residents. He said: "I am delighted. There were times over the last 18 months were I didn't think it was going to happen. I think it is going to be great for the area and great for the city. I hope is the start of lots more changes about how the city uses public spaces.
"You may say I might say this but, Capel Street is my favourite street in the city regardless of the fact I have a business on it. Apart from the Spar and the bank, there are no chains on the street, it is all independent small businesses."
The top of Capel Street is currently cordoned off by bollards to prevent vehicles accessing the road, although loading vans continue to maintain access from 6am-10am daily. The area is also still accessible to emergency vehicles at all times.
The public consultation period on the initiative opens today and will remain accessible for up to four weeks. Members of the public can express their views here.
What do you think about the recent pedestrianisation of Capel Street? Let us know in the comments below.
