A BUSY Dublin street is set to close to traffic in days as a new rule change comes in.
Dublin City Council has announced that the transformation of Parliament Street will begin on Friday, July 4.
There will be a market held to celebrate the change.
And family-friendly events are scheduled to take place every weekend throughout the month, starting from July 5.
It’s believed that up to 23,000 people pass through the street on a daily basis.
This new measure will permanently close the space to traffic, reallocating it to walking and cycling.
It will also provide green and public seating.
The council said: “This space will provide an attractive north-south pedestrian and cycle route between City Hall and Bolton Street.”
It will link with Capel Street as well as between the east and west areas of Temple Bar.
In May 2025, 90 per cent of respondents to a survey said they were in favour of enhancing public space and enabling two-way cycling.
The presentation to the South East Area committee showed a positive reaction, as the majority said they had a desire for fewer cars and more space for people.
People referenced the success of Capel Street as an example, citing the increased vibrancy, improved atmosphere and greater footfall as positives for local businesses.
SAFER AREA
They mentioned that the proposed measures would make the area safer and more pleasant to walk and cycle through.
It would also encourage families and children to visit, with outdoor seating perfect for socialising and community events.
Works on seating, planting and surfacing will begin on July 7 and will continue through the summer.
It is the third measure in the Dublin City Transport Plan 2023.
ALL CHANGES
Dublin City Council revealed that the traffic movements in the area will be:
- Between Essex Quay and Essex Gate – this section of Parliament Street will be permanently Traffic Free with only pedestrians and cyclists permitted in this space. The road level in this section will also be raised to the existing kerb level.
- The current west to east traffic flow between Essex Gate and Essex Street East will remain open for all vehicles at all times.
- The section of Parliament Street between Essex Gate and Lord Edward Street will be Traffic Free with deliveries allowed between 6am and 11am daily.
- Two-way cycling will be permitted on Parliament Street.
- A new two-way cycling link will be created on the east side of Grattan Bridge. The traffic lanes will be reduced to one right turn lane only on the bridge.
- A two-way cycling link will be created on the east side of Capel Street between the quays and Strand Street Little. Northbound cycling will also be permitted on Capel Street to complete a full 2 way cycling link between Dame Street and Bolton Street.
