Disability complaint stalls College Green plaza hearing

DAY one of the planning hearing for a civic plaza at College Green in Dublin was adjourned yesterday following a complaint by a disability activist.

Architects and planners from Dublin City Council outlined their plans to transform the city centre location into a ‘prime urban space’, despite strong objections from local business owners and councillors.

However, the meeting was adjourned until this morning, due to objections by a disability activist who claimed he did not receive the planning documents in an accessible form, preventing him from participating.

Inspector Breda Gannon said the meeting would continue this morning, where the appropriate material would be provided.

Yesterday’s hearing began with the council outlining its plans to make College Green an ‘iconic’ open space, pedestrianising the area outside of Bank of Ireland, as well as nearby Foster Place.

The Luas will continue to run past Trinity, and cyclists will also be facilitated through a two-way cycle lane on the south side of the plaza.

According to Brendan O’Brien, head of technical services for Dublin City Council, all bus routes that go through College Green will be maintained but redirected.

However, the proposed plan is facing a backlash due to fears that it will cause significant traffic congestion in the city, impacting on local businesses. Fine Gael TD and Oireachtas Transport Committee member Noel Rock yesterday slammed the council for ‘pushing ahead with a farce that should be paused immediately’. ‘This plan is a farce, especially against the backdrop of current transport frustrations being experienced by Dublin commuters,’ he said.