The pandemic changed everything in Dublin, with the council having to consider for the first time in a long time how to manage crowds and limit the spread of covid-19 in the city. From this need to rearrange how socialising with friends worked sprung a fantastic idea – pedestrianising Capel Street.
As summer came and people wanted to sit outside to socialise there were problems with plazas filling up with people. However, there was nowhere to go if you wanted to share a few beers because drinking alcohol outside in the city centre is not permitted. So when it became possible to enjoy al fresco dining and drinking on Capel Street it was an absolute godsend.
📢New proposal removal of traffic from Capel Street!
🚶♀️Improved pedestrian space
🚲Retaining cycling permeability
🏘️And paving the way for Capel Street to become a vibrant, thriving inner city street.
Full report: https://t.co/YcVRAq1kdn— Janet Horner (@JanetPHorner) April 25, 2022
The great news is that the al fresco arrangement is here to stay! Dublin City has announced that Capel Street will be permanently pedestrianised between Strand Street Great and Abbey Street Upper, then again from Mary’s Abbey all the way up to Ryder’s Row.
The council met today (April 27) to discuss the plans and it has been confirmed that the plans will move ahead next month! There should be no roadworks, at least for the time being. Janet Horner from Dublin City Council states that ‘interventions will be by way of temporary wands’.
It was so great to see people enjoying themselves on the traffic-free street this year, and as more and more cities across the world move to make city centers traffic-free Dublin will be part of an exciting trend. You can read more about the plans to pedestrianise the street on the Dublin City Council website.