Dublin retailers say more using city centre

People are returning to Dublin city centre in large numbers, city retailers said yesterday.

The Dublin City Centre Business Association said new infrared technology used to measure consumer trends had counted over 4.62 million people in the centre of the city during one week in November.

The infrared counting systems, which identify body heat, are based at a number of points in the city, including Grafton Street, Henry Street and Mary Street.

The chief executive of the Dublin City Centre Business Association, Mr Tom Coffey, said the new infrared system provided the most accurate figures ever available. Previously, figures were based on anecdotal evidence or physical counting.

The association said the figures revealed that for one week in November the "footfall in the city" - the number of people who were counted while passing the measuring points - was running at an average of 660,000 per day.

"They (the figures) are in line with what our members have reported in terms of volumes, and it confirms that people are returning to the city centre in large numbers, which justifies the investment made by Dublin City Council and the retailers in infrastructure and development in the capital over the last five years," said Mr Coffey.

He said the opening of the Luas service, the extension of bus corridors and the completion of development works had all contributed to people returning to the city centre.

"Operation Freeflow has also benefited the city's motorists this year. Mobility in and access to the city centre is excellent, and we are getting reports that car park usage is increasing for the first time in three years," said Mr Coffey.