Some of Dublin’s best known retailers and representative organisations have written to newly-elected and returning Dublin City Councillors to urge them to reconsider proposed traffic restrictions set for August which they say will lead to job losses and business closures.
The Dublin City Centre Traders Alliance, representing Dublin’s established retailers – including Brown Thomas Arnotts, Jervis Shopping Centre, Louis Copeland and more, wrote that they had “concerns about the city’s future” in light of the planned restrictions.
The restrictions originally sought to ban or severely restrict private cars on roads including Bachelor’s Walk and Aston Quay, while changing traffic routes to discourage drivers of private vehicles from driving through the city. However, there are changes already being proposed after accessibility concerns were raised by organisations representing people with disabilities.
In a letter to Councillors this week, the retailers said they believed “the proposed traffic restrictions set for August will harm our operations, leading to job losses and business closures”.
“These restrictions, which DCC has positioned as an effective way to curb motorists travelling through the City Centre, will, in fact, serve as a deterrent to all shoppers and visitors who choose to use their cars or indeed taxis as part of their experience,” they added.
“This threatens the Tier 1 Retail locations, as set out in Dublin City Development Plan 2022- 2028, of Henry Street and Grafton Street in particular.”
The retailers said that statistics show city centre retail is already vulnerable compared to out-of-town shopping destinations, and pointed to a Dublin City Centre Shopper Survey in 2022 which they said indicated that car users “spend significantly more than those using public transport”.
“Thus, these restrictions will harm our businesses,” they claimed.
“Dublin City, as a leading tourist destination, needs a strong retail offering,” they continued. “The restrictions could deter tourists, impacting the €2.6 billion they spend annually. Declining retail sales will result in business closures, reducing the rates revenue that accounts for 30% of Dublin City Council’s income.”
“We believe the City Centre Transport Plan has not assessed its impact on retail sales and jobs. The project should undergo a Part 8 application to An Bord Pleanála, requiring a full Environmental Impact Assessment. This would allow public submissions and an independent, transparent assessment,” the retailers group said.
“We have written to the Chief Executive requesting a Part 8 application, committing not to seek Judicial Review if granted,” they added.
“These changes will affect the entire city traffic network: an NTA document provided to Pearse Square Residents Association expects significant off-site impacts, yet to be detailed.”
“Our members are deeply concerned. We commissioned independent reports to assess the impact on retail and traffic, which will be available in early July,” the letter pointed out.
“We request you consider our concerns during your briefing on July 1st and instruct the Chief Executive to prepare a Part 8 Planning Application so that the Plan, which is a large scale development proposal, can be properly and independently assessed.”
“The future of the city is in your hands. We welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter to secure a strong future for Dublin’s retail trade.”
The letter was signed on behalf of Dublin City Centre Traders Alliance members including Brown Thomas Arnotts, Jervis Shopping Centre, Retail Excellence Ireland, Restaurants Association of Ireland, Louis Copeland & Sons, Irish Parking Association, Best Car Parks, Fitzwilliam Real Estate Capital.