Can Dublin teach NI a thing or two on city centres when it comes to cars VS pedestrians?

The trial has been running over consecutive weekends in the Grafton Street area of the city and is aimed at encouraging more people to return for shopping. It provides more space for pedestrians and for the numerous cafes and restaurants in the locality.

Whilst the core principle of pedestrianisation is nothing new, the Dublin trial shows there is a willingness to try something quick and innovative to address the constraints imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the longer-term shift in shopping habits.

This is a huge challenge for retail and the hospitality industry in Dublin but also for traders and restaurants north of the border.

The NI Executive has reacted by creating a new high streets task force.

This could make quality of life issues a top priority to help address the disconnect that has emerged between our citizens and our traditional high streets.

Creating a welcoming and safe environment, improving air quality, encouraging active travel and building urban playparks are all important.

Improving disabled access is essential, and green infrastructure and SMART connection zones could also enhance visitors’ experience.

The task force would also tackle the age-old dilemma of balancing car access and greater pedestrianisation. Maybe the results of Dublin’s experiment can help convince drivers here to be slightly less car-reliant.

By making small changes to our urban environment, then monitoring and learning from them, we can help improve our much-cherished town centres and high streets.

Cllr Brian Pope (Alliance), Banbridge