Dublin blasted for pedestrian plaza go-ahead days after consultation close

Dublin City Council has come under fire for pressing ahead with plans for a pedestrian and cycle plaza days after a consultation on the proposals closed.

The Irish Times has reported former transport minister Noel Dempsey has written to the council attacking it for issuing contracts for a scheme to close College Green to traffic after the consultation closed on the 24th May. He was reported as saying that he was surprised that the tender was issued prior to "any response to or consideration of the submissions made". 

As minister Dempsey had said the area needed to be a car-free zone to facilitate the opening of a light rail Luas line but he is now critical of plans to re-direct bus routes down the alternative route of Parliament Street, the article adds.

Dublin's plans to increase walking and cycling have come under sustained criticism and subsequently a number of the traffic restrictions have been watered down. The newspaper quotes its director of traffic, Declan Wallace, as saying that the council is "showing leadership".