New group set up to support Dublin city bus scheme
A new pressure group set up to support the College Green Bus Gate scheme in Dublin has rejected claims that the initiative is damaging city-centre businesses.
The move to ban private cars from the College Green area during the morning and evening rush hours has led to a significant reduction in journey times on bus routes that pass through the area.
However, 13 firms based in the city are taking High Court action against the scheme, claiming it has led to a reduction of up to 30% in their business.
The 'Keep Our Bus Corridor Open Alliance', which includes members of the Labour Party and the Greens, is disputing the claims and says business is down because of the recession, and not due to the bus corridor.
It also says pedestrians and cyclists spend more money in Dublin city centre than car drivers.
