Dublin City Council tonight adopted plans to introduce a "bus gate" at College Green during the capital’s morning and evening rush hours.
The new system will lead to a ban on cars entering the area between the hours of 7.00am to 10am and 4.00pm to 7.00pm on week days.
The scheme is expected to reduce journey times for cross-city public transport and allow for increased reliability and frequency.
In a statement the council said work at College Green will be carried out during July 2009. The scheme will involve re-routing of commuter traffic and revised access to certain car parks.
The council said an independent review of the plan will be undertaken after the first 6 months of its operation.
Earlier the Dublin Chamber of Commerce called for the plan to be put on hold over fear it would lead to firm closures and job losses.
“It is about ensuring that shoppers and commuters have real alternatives to going through the College Green by car, before they close it for any period of time,” said Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber chief executive.
“Once these measures are completed, we will support the introduction of a "bus gate" at College Green on a pilot phased basis, starting with an am ban Monday to Friday. This will allow Thursday late night shopping to continue unhindered, which is a key element of the city centres retail offering,” she added.
The chamber claims that the decision to implement the bus gate would be calamitous for local traders who are already struggling as fewer shoppers visit the city centre.
“Businesses are concerned that this will only discourage shoppers further from visiting the city centre,” said Ms Quin.
