Horse-drawn carriages saved in Dublin
An attempt to remove horse-drawn carriages from St Stephen's Green in Dublin has been abandoned.
The carriages have been restored for Valentines Day, following representations by Fine Gael's Gay Mitchell.
Deputy Mitchell says he was approached recently on behalf of horse-drawn carriage drivers who operate from St. Stephens Green.
Last week they arrived at their rank to find a notice stating: "This rank will close on 10th February 2003".
"The Director of Traffic had intended to use the area between Grafton Street and Dawson Street as a taxi rank to replace the one lost due to the construction of the new Luas station," said Deputy Mitchell today.
"There are about 60 carriages and 120 drivers operating from this rank and the activity is widely promoted in tourist material about Dublin.
"Following discussions with me, the Director of Traffic has agreed to reserve five parking bays for the carriages very close to their present location. I understand the revised proposals will include three new motor taxi ranks located around St. Stephens Green, which will be interlinked."
