26th August 2002

PRESS RELEASE

GREEN PARTY WELCOMES DUBLIN’S TRAFFIC CHANGES

The Green Party has given a strong welcome to the new traffic changes in Central Dublin. The changes will improve bus speeds and give taxis a higher priority on city centre streets.

“At last we’re seeing a bit of breathing space for the city centre”, stated Ciarán Cuffe of the Green Party. “It is magical to see O’Connell Street becoming a place for people instead of cars.

“The changes will allow faster access for buses to and from the city centre, and we welcome this. Of course, there are some teething problems but that is only to be expected.

“Most modern European City gives priority to public transport, cyclists and pedestrians in the city centre. I am glad that Dublin is finally catching up with our European neighbours.

“We look forward to Luas coming on stream next year, and to the traffic changes at the end of September that will take more car traffic out of College Green. Ideally we would like all cars that has no business in town to be banned from the city centre.”

ENDS

For further information contact:

Ciarán Cuffe, TD    087 265 2075 or 6183082

Stephen Rawson, Press Officer    087 235 7551 or 618 4088