Greater Dublin Area Draft Transport Strategy 2011-2030

These are addressed in more detail below.Because of the scale of walking and cycling and thepotential for further growth, particular attentionneeds to be given to improving the walking andcycling experience in Dublin city centre, in othertown centres and in residential areas.9.2 Walking and cycling in town centresThe investment in rail and bus infrastructure andservices proposed in the Strategy will dramaticallyimprove the accessibility of Dublin city centre andother town centres in the Greater Dublin Area (seeChapter 12 – Expected Outcomes).Once in the city centre or a town centre, peoplemovement needs to take priority over vehiclemovement. Giving greater priority to pedestriansand cyclists over motorised vehicle traffic in towncentres will make these centres more attractiveplaces to visit and stay thus providing benefits totown centre economies.Examples of ways to facilitate pedestrian andcyclist movements in town centres include:• Streets or zones where vehicles are permittedfor access purposes only (i.e. no throughmotorised traffic);• Restriction of a street to certain classes ofvehicles (e.g. cycles, buses and taxis);• The relocation of traffic queues away fromcentres to where congestion is likely to impactless on public transport users, cycles andpedestrians; and• Full pedestrianisation of a street or group of streets(more appropriate on streets where there is likelyto be significant all day pedestrian activity)Measure WCY 1:The Authority will seek:• Restrictions on general motorised traffictravelling through the heart of Dublin citycentre and other town centres, by divertingthrough traffic onto suitable alternativeroutes, whilst permitting throughmovement for buses, trams or taxis wherenecessary; and• The retention of access for towncentre deliveries and visitor car parkingin appropriate locations and atappropriate times.Appropriate access to visitor car parking is requiredfor those visiting Dublin city centre. Car borneshopping plays an important role in supporting thecity centre economy.Lower speed limits in town centres will beintroduced to improve safety for cyclists andpedestrians, reduce noise and create a morepleasant environment.Measure WCY 2:The Authority will seek reductions in trafficspeeds in town centres, and the application ofa 30km/h speed limit in appropriate areas inthe commercial and retail core of Dublin citycentre and other town and village centres.Schemes to reconfigure town centre streets will berequired to allow for easier people movement andto create or enhance outdoor spaces where peoplecan comfortably browse, stop or chat. As part ofsuch schemes, opportunities should be taken toprovide high quality footpath surfaces, seating,planting and cycle parking spaces. Town centrefootpaths should be widened where beneficial, andclutter such as redundant signs and poles shouldbe removed, and other street furniture rationalisedwhere possible.Chapter 9: page 2 www.2030vision.ie