New bus gates on Bachelors Walk and Aston Quay

I've heard people arguing that businesses on Capel Street have closed or are doing much lower trade due to the pedestrianisation. I wonder if there's any truth to this as it would give them more ammo to not go through with the full plans.

That's good to hear. It's not an area I frequent so I couldn't very well refute their claims!

Hopefully the quieter quays will lead to more outdoor dining type retail opening up. There were practically no cars from the Ha'penny bridge to O'Connell Street this morning when I cycled in.

It is only a matter of time before someone getting off one of the buses has an accident because of the overcrowded paths, and the Council will have to implement the original plan.

Well my question was more around is that all the organizations are asking for? Is there nothing else about transport, public or otherwise, that's a concern.

Though I'm generally against cars in bus corridors anyway, but if the blue badge is to be expanded beyond parking, it's entirely doable to have them register and be allowed.

I don't know all the details of what they are seeking.

It's just something I thought of when I saw the technology was available.

Just for parking in Ireland, as far as I know. Not sure about other countries.

Can't think of any reason why it's uses couldn't be expanded though.

I've a feeling last night though, showed a big consequence of pushing traffic elsewhere and hoping for the best.

With colleges back and a rainy evening, traffic was always going to be bad, but around the South if the City, things ground to a near halt - especially in area between Pearse St and Leeson St. Monitoring PSO bus services in the area and from the 16.15 133 service Dublin to Wicklow (and for the next 2 hours of departures) - it took those services over an additional 1 hour to get as far as the ole Burlington. NX services to and from Wilton suffered long delays in both directions just in that area.

The issue, in my opinion, is that you had Mama Mia on in the 3 Arena and Hamilton in BGE, so anyone driving in from the west of Dublin, could not use the Quays as normal, and instead would have to come around South of City to get to those Arenas. Unless they preferred to travel all way around M50 at rush hour to use Port Tunnel and pay 2 tolls.

Traffic towards Samuel Beckett bridge and Butt Bridge was especially bad, and the tail backs blocked up Pearse St, around Merrion Sq and up to Baggot St.

So while public transport at O'Connell Bridge may be benefiting, there has to be thought given to knock on effects.

Edit - just to add, be curious with same weather and events on, does it all happen again this evening

I know someone who has one of those badges due to a disability with her husband.

Her husband passed away decades ago tho. 🙄

I agree, in comparison to places abroad, our public transport is much more accessible, with wheelchair-friendly buses, accessible trams etc. In London, most of the stations on the tube are not accessible.

Bord Gais is walking distance from both Grand Canal Dock and Docklands stations, why are people driving?

The Luas terminates at the Point.

No reason for anyone to drive to either of those.

Highly unlikely she has had it for "decades" when it has to be renewed every two years, with a new photo of the holder submitted with the renewal application.

But that's for another thread.

Could be just thrown it on the dashboard in the hopes it's never checked. It's got a big expiry year on it though so she could also be telling a bit of a lie.

Public transport is not accessible for all disabled people. I find its always people who are not disabled who think it is so great and so easily accessible.

But I got my answer to my question, so thanks. Disappointing, but pretty much as I should have expected. God forbid, disabled drivers in Dublin might hold up a bus or two.

Thanks again.