Despite confusion and traffic congestion, Dublin Corporation's director of traffic was confident of the success of the major diversions introduced yesterday in the south inner city. After monitoring slow-moving evening traffic, Mr Owen Keegan said that overall he was happy with how the day went, but admitted the evening "hadn't been quite as successful".
The diversion at South Great George's Street prevents cars turning right on to Dame Street. The diversion at Dawson Street prevents cars turning left on to Nassau Street. Access for taxis, buses, bicycles and motorcycles is not affected.
There was a strong Garda presence on both routes yesterday, ensuring the diversions were adhered to. A Garda spokesperson said the diversions "will take some time for motorists to familiarise themselves with. We are monitoring its introduction and progress".
A sense of confusion among many motorists accompanied the diversions, set in place by the corporation as part of a scheme to make areas between Grafton Street and George's Street more "pedestrian friendly".
The main aims, according to the corporation, are: to reduce traffic-flow into O'Connell Street, prioritise bus travel in the city centre and improve the situation for pedestrians. It is part of a £3 million investment into environmental improvements.
AA Roadwatch said traffic during the morning and afternoon was "not too bad", despite roadworks on the right-hand corner of Dawson Street and in George's Street.
The recommended detours down Winetavern Street and Pearse Street saw the worst of rush-hour traffic.
Mr Keegan said this should be manageable but if the arrangement did not cope with the increased traffic, there were further measures on hand. These included a reduction in on-street parking, the banning of a right-hand turn in Lombard Street or possibly blocking the link between Pearse Street and College Street.
According to the corporation the scheme aims "to make the area more attractive for the commercial sector, residents and the general public".
There are also plans to reduce north-bound traffic to two lanes between the junction of Henry Street and the former Carlton Cinema site on O'Connell Street. This will facilitate the building of a plaza in front of the GPO, the widening of the pavements and the erection of the Monument of Light.