Dublin faces ‘significant’ traffic disruption over bank holiday

Significant traffic disruption is expected in Dublin city centre this bank holiday weekend as access to the quays via O'Connell Bridge will be closed to traffic in both directions to facilitate work on the Luas Cross City project.

The traffic restrictions will be in place from 8pm on Friday to 6am on Tuesday.

Local diversions will be in place and access to car parks will be maintained, but a spokesman for Luas Cross City said “significant disruption” to traffic is still expected.

The spokesman appealed to motorists who need to cross the city to use an “inner orbital” route. A map of the route is available on the project’s website.

“You should use this route to find your way from one side of the city centre to the other, whilst avoiding the construction area in the core of the city,” the spokesman said.

The disruption comes during a significant weekend for sport in Dublin, as Croke Park hosts four ties in the All-Ireland Football Championship.

On Saturday, there will be two qualifiers at the stadium, as Donegal play Cork and Mayo play Westmeath.

The quarter-finals on Sunday will see Kerry take on Clare, followed by Galway versus Tipperary.

Also on Saturday, a star-studded Barcelona squad, including Lionel Messi, will take on Celtic in an International Champions Cup clash at the Aviva Stadium in Ballsbridge.

Confusion

Chief executive of business lobby group DublinTown Richard Guiney said the group was "aware of some confusion" over access arrangements to the city this weekend.

“We feel it is important to stress that the public can still access car parks and public transport options are available, with the added value of kids going free this weekend,” he said.

“So there is no better time to visit the city with your family.

“DublinTown and other business groups representing the business community have engaged extensively with all relevant parties throughout this project, which is now well progressed.

"We believe the continued works around the Rosie Hackett and O'Connell St bridges during the bank holiday weekend is preferable to prolonged works over several weeks."

He said the organisation was committed to working with the relevant parties to make the project a success.

“It is important for the public to note that the city remains accessible by all forms of transport, including cars,” he said.

"All relevant information is available onwww.luascrosscity.ie and also through social media channels."