Retail Excellence Ireland (REI) has said it is regrettable that Dublin City Council (DCC) has resisted calls for a pause before implementing its new traffic plan.
The largest representative body for the retail industry in Ireland welcomed the establishment of a working group to monitor the impact of the changes.
However, it warned that the council must revisit the plan if businesses in Dublin city see a marked reduction in retail spend as a result of the new plan.
The traffic plan, due to come into effect next month, aims to remove traffic travelling using several measures, including the use of bus gates on the quays at certain times.
According to a snap survey of Dublin retailers conducted by REI in June, just 10% of respondents said DCC had adequately consulted them about the traffic plan.
‘Regrettable’
Speaking today, the chief executive of REI Jean McCabe said, “Dublin city needs an extensive, long-term plan in order to address several issues, and we support any well-thought through proposal that will make the city a better, more sustainable place I which to live, work, shop and socialise.
“The implementation of such a plan requires an extensive consultation process involving all stakeholders.
“It is regrettable, therefore, that retailers have not been adequately consulted on this new plan and that it does not address our concerns around deliveries, public transport capacity, and projected retail spend as a result of limiting car journeys into the city.
“Retail spend in particular was highlighted as a major concern in recent weeks by the Dublin City Centre Traders Alliance, a group which includes REI.”
McCabe added that the plan would not only affect retailers, but also the service companies that supply those retailers.
She said, “We appreciate that the plan for the city has to start somewhere and there is no easy fix, but it is critically important that industry feedback is noted and acted on if we see a significant drop in retail spend as a result of these changes.”
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