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The Dublin City Council says it will “address” any legal challenge to the proposed restrictions on private cars in the city center with more space and priority for cyclists and pedestrians.
The plan is part of efforts to allow for social distancing in the city with trails that are already widening as parking lots and cargo bays close.
Chief Executive Owen Keegan said details of other plans will be ready in a couple of weeks, which could mean a motor vehicle ban in some areas after 11 a.m. and the temporary pedestrianization of the College Green area.
There would also be a rerouting of bus routes and additional street space to be used by city businesses for queues and outdoor seating.
The proposal was generally endorsed by councilors at the May city council meeting that was held with a limited number at Dublin Castle.
There was concern about the effect on downtown businesses, the role of public transport and the adequacy of bicycle facilities, such as parking.
Keegan said there were some legal challenges that will be addressed.
Car park owners had previously objected to the works putting up a temporary Liffey Cycleway, while the Dublin City Merchants Alliance threatened the High Court action.
An email from attorney and developer Noel Smyth to Mr. Keegan accused the council of using Covid-19 as cover to carry out an “illegal act” and asked the council to “stop and stop immediately”.
The email indicates that the time cycle lane does not have a planning permit and has not been subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment.
Mr. Smyth warned that legal action will begin unless he has promised to stop the works.
A second email from Mr. Smyth expressed concern over the announcement of new “drastic” traffic changes, including the pedestrianization of College Green.
Speaking on Monday night, Mr. Smyth said the Dublin City Center Merchants Alliance had offered to pay half the cost of a study for the city council to examine how pedestrians, cyclists, cars and trams could get around in a medieval city.
“There is no study or information that says they are right or wrong,” he said.
Mr. Smyth previously threatened legal action when the city council attempted to introduce the College Green Plaza plan through its own powers under traffic law.
The council then agreed to present their case to An Bord Pleanála, who ruled against the plaza’s plan.
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