Planet Rugby Forum

EverReady wrote:Was down at the national stud and Clare Daly was there incognito. By that I mean hood pulled up, leather jacket and jeans. She was there with some young black lad taking photos. My missus immediately thought ' the dirty old bitch and him about 20'. I reckon it was some sort of direct provision hype train she is getting on. Either way she ruined my day listening to her drone on in the Japanese garden.

Taxi drivers are warning they may take to the streets in protest over proposals to ban taxis from the College Green area of Dublin city centre.

Dublin City Council has applied for planning permission to build a pedestrianised plaza which would ban all traffic, including buses and taxis, from accessing Dame Street through College Green.

But even before any permission is granted, there are suggestions that taxis could be removed from the area, sooner rather than later, to alleviate traffic congestion.

The National Private Hire and Taxi Association is warning that protests could take place if the plaza plans proceed in their current form.

The proposals include the removal of a taxi rank at Foster Place, beside Bank of Ireland.

Spokesman Jim Waldron said: "There are 250 drivers approximately based in Foster Place. That's where they make their living. If their living is going to be taken away from them, they are not going to take it quietly."

"It's not what we want to be doing. If we are out protesting on the streets we're not making any money. We would rather be talking to people, and not just talking but being listened to."

Mr Waldron said drivers had consulted with Dublin City Council and proposed that taxis could be diverted down Anglesea Street, Fleet Street and onto Westmoreland Street.

"We are trying to be constructive but we are not holding our breath," Mr Waldron added.

Current traffic in College Green has been affected by the Cross City Luas and in recent weeks a number of Dublin Bus services have been rerouted away from the area.

The National Transport Authority says it is monitoring the movement of public transport services through College Green.

In a statement the NTA said "changes made in recent weeks to some Dublin Bus routes in the area have already had a positive effect."

It added that it would take further steps as appropriate.

"We will look at everything in that regard," the statement added.

Green Councillor and Chair of the City Council's Transport Committee, Ciarán Cuffe, said banning taxis could be part of the solution to the congestion at College Green.

"We have to make sure that Dublin doesn't grind to a halt and that includes taxis. If we think that taxis are part of the congestion in College Green we may have to look at perhaps taking them out during peak hours.

"It simply isn't fair if three or four taxis that may or may not have fares are taking up the same space as two or three buses, or a fully loaded tram," Mr Cuffe added.

"They (taxi drivers) have been able to make their views known through the consultation process. They will have another opportunity at the oral hearing at An Bord Pleanála."

Hoteliers have cautioned that such a move could impact on tourists arriving into the city.

Six of Dublin's best-known hotels, including The Merrion and The Shelbourne have appealed to An Bord Pleanála warning excluding taxis would have "seriously adverse consequences for access to the Grafton Street area."

Dublin Chamber of Commerce is also urging caution when it comes to the proposal.

Head of Public Affairs Graeme McQueen said: "Around 80% of guests at some of the big hotels arrive by taxis. If we are going to make changes to College Green we have got to be sure that people can still access these hotels quickly and efficiently.

"I think everyone is quite frustrated by the situation at College Green. We do need to look at all alternatives to how we are going to make this work.

"We need to be very careful. Public transport and taxis are hugely important. If we are going to take taxis out it has to be done in a very cautious way," Mr McQueen said.

Flametop wrote:In any other European city, I’d say that that plan looks fantastic.

However, seeing as it is Dublin, it looks like a perfect magnet for open dealing and scumbags hanging out making the place unsafe for law abiding citizens.

iarmhiman wrote:

Flametop wrote:In any other European city, I’d say that that plan looks fantastic.

However, seeing as it is Dublin, it looks like a perfect magnet for open dealing and scumbags hanging out making the place unsafe for law abiding citizens.

Guess where the next Dublin Christmas market is going.

Flametop wrote:

iarmhiman wrote:

Flametop wrote:In any other European city, I’d say that that plan looks fantastic.

However, seeing as it is Dublin, it looks like a perfect magnet for open dealing and scumbags hanging out making the place unsafe for law abiding citizens.

Guess where the next Dublin Christmas market is going.

Athlone?

nardol wrote:Are there any laws about begging rough sleeping in Dublin?

Flametop wrote:In any other European city, I’d say that that plan looks fantastic.

However, seeing as it is Dublin, it looks like a perfect magnet for open dealing and scumbags hanging out making the place unsafe for law abiding citizens.

camroc1 wrote:

Flametop wrote:In any other European city, I’d say that that plan looks fantastic.

However, seeing as it is Dublin, it looks like a perfect magnet for open dealing and scumbags hanging out making the place unsafe for law abiding citizens.

Instruct the Gardaí to do their job and arrest, or move on any anti-social activities.

It' a lazy excuse in any event.

It seems to me that DCC is sorry it went to ABP with the plan, and is now using its powers as roads authority to go ahead with the plaza anyway regardless of the ABP determination.

Flametop wrote:

camroc1 wrote:

Flametop wrote:In any other European city, I’d say that that plan looks fantastic.

However, seeing as it is Dublin, it looks like a perfect magnet for open dealing and scumbags hanging out making the place unsafe for law abiding citizens.

Instruct the Gardaí to do their job and arrest, or move on any anti-social activities.

It' a lazy excuse in any event.

It seems to me that DCC is sorry it went to ABP with the plan, and is now using its powers as roads authority to go ahead with the plaza anyway regardless of the ABP determination.

You’re agreeing with me, but where are the cops on the beat?

Nolanator wrote:

Flametop wrote:

camroc1 wrote:

Flametop wrote:In any other European city, I’d say that that plan looks fantastic.

However, seeing as it is Dublin, it looks like a perfect magnet for open dealing and scumbags hanging out making the place unsafe for law abiding citizens.

Instruct the Gardaí to do their job and arrest, or move on any anti-social activities.

It' a lazy excuse in any event.

It seems to me that DCC is sorry it went to ABP with the plan, and is now using its powers as roads authority to go ahead with the plaza anyway regardless of the ABP determination.

You’re agreeing with me, but where are the cops on the beat?

Disposing of the latest Hutch corpse across the Liffey.

Flametop wrote:Walton’s on George’s Street.... goooooooone.

Never liked the shop to be fair. Overpriced, a monopoly on Gibson and unhelpful and unfriendly staff.

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland ... 8?mode=amp

Decent sized premises. Will be interesting to see what goes in there.
Fair dues to Yamamori next door, they have outlasted a lot of food fads.

Flametop wrote:

camroc1 wrote:

Flametop wrote:In any other European city, I’d say that that plan looks fantastic.

However, seeing as it is Dublin, it looks like a perfect magnet for open dealing and scumbags hanging out making the place unsafe for law abiding citizens.

Instruct the Gardaí to do their job and arrest, or move on any anti-social activities.

It' a lazy excuse in any event.

It seems to me that DCC is sorry it went to ABP with the plan, and is now using its powers as roads authority to go ahead with the plaza anyway regardless of the ABP determination.

You’re agreeing with me, but where are the cops on the beat?

goose81 wrote:

Flametop wrote:Walton’s on George’s Street.... goooooooone.

Never liked the shop to be fair. Overpriced, a monopoly on Gibson and unhelpful and unfriendly staff.

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland ... 8?mode=amp

Decent sized premises. Will be interesting to see what goes in there.
Fair dues to Yamamori next door, they have outlasted a lot of food fads.

I don't play an instrument but would this not be a sad day for people that do? Can't imagine too many bricks and mortar shops left and if it becomes online only you'd imagine there would be a drop in people getting involved

Bullettyme wrote:The taxi drivers can go and fudge themselves. Rip off merchants of the highest order. A plaza like that is what is needed for a city like Dublin, open dealing talk is a bit hysterical for me. Why would it suddenly become an issue there in a big wide open square?

iarmhiman wrote:

Bullettyme wrote:The taxi drivers can go and fudge themselves. Rip off merchants of the highest order. A plaza like that is what is needed for a city like Dublin, open dealing talk is a bit hysterical for me. Why would it suddenly become an issue there in a big wide open square?

If you had pedestrianised streets from Temple Bar all the way through South William to Stephen's Green shopping centre, that would make Dublin very tourist friendly.

Bullettyme wrote:

iarmhiman wrote:

Bullettyme wrote:The taxi drivers can go and fudge themselves. Rip off merchants of the highest order. A plaza like that is what is needed for a city like Dublin, open dealing talk is a bit hysterical for me. Why would it suddenly become an issue there in a big wide open square?

If you had pedestrianised streets from Temple Bar all the way through South William to Stephen's Green shopping centre, that would make Dublin very tourist friendly.

I think it will be a fantastic move. Traffic should be gone from South William Street alright, seems kinda pointless to go that way unless you're a taxi.

iarmhiman wrote:

Bullettyme wrote:

iarmhiman wrote:

Bullettyme wrote:The taxi drivers can go and fudge themselves. Rip off merchants of the highest order. A plaza like that is what is needed for a city like Dublin, open dealing talk is a bit hysterical for me. Why would it suddenly become an issue there in a big wide open square?

If you had pedestrianised streets from Temple Bar all the way through South William to Stephen's Green shopping centre, that would make Dublin very tourist friendly.

I think it will be a fantastic move. Traffic should be gone from South William Street alright, seems kinda pointless to go that way unless you're a taxi.

I don't think they will be able to prevent this. The taxis I'm talking about.

More worried about the lobby groups for Brown Thomas, and other big car parks. The hotels may want taxis as well to be able to get to the door. Resolve that last one will be a big challenge. Needs to be done though. College Green would be beautiful if the traffic was taken away.

CM11 wrote:What is the issue taxis have exactly? Funneled onto much busier roads?

There is no reason why that area shouldn't be cutoff to road traffic, including cyclists.

Bullettyme wrote:

CM11 wrote:What is the issue taxis have exactly? Funneled onto much busier roads?

There is no reason why that area shouldn't be cutoff to road traffic, including cyclists.

They're moaning about the rank being closed on college green, saying that moving it will take food of their plates. The same plums who started charging €2 per pickup on mytaxi and charge a fiver before you even get into a taxi.

anonymous_joe wrote:

Bullettyme wrote:

CM11 wrote:What is the issue taxis have exactly? Funneled onto much busier roads?

There is no reason why that area shouldn't be cutoff to road traffic, including cyclists.

They're moaning about the rank being closed on college green, saying that moving it will take food of their plates. The same plums who started charging €2 per pickup on mytaxi and charge a fiver before you even get into a taxi.

I don't think the taxi drivers get that money.

goose81 wrote:

Flametop wrote:Walton’s on George’s Street.... goooooooone.

Never liked the shop to be fair. Overpriced, a monopoly on Gibson and unhelpful and unfriendly staff.

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland ... 8?mode=amp

Decent sized premises. Will be interesting to see what goes in there.
Fair dues to Yamamori next door, they have outlasted a lot of food fads.

I don't play an instrument but would this not be a sad day for people that do? Can't imagine too many bricks and mortar shops left and if it becomes online only you'd imagine there would be a drop in people getting involved

Gavin Duffy wrote:Banning cyclists from the front of trinity would be ridiculous.

CM11 wrote:

Gavin Duffy wrote:Banning cyclists from the front of trinity would be ridiculous.

Why?

Bullettyme wrote:

CM11 wrote:

Gavin Duffy wrote:Banning cyclists from the front of trinity would be ridiculous.

Why?

People use bikes to get in to university. There's tonnes of them coming in and out. It would also be a prime spot for a Dublin Bikes terminal and various tourism rentals.

CM11 wrote:

Bullettyme wrote:

CM11 wrote:

Gavin Duffy wrote:Banning cyclists from the front of trinity would be ridiculous.

Why?

People use bikes to get in to university. There's tonnes of them coming in and out. It would also be a prime spot for a Dublin Bikes terminal and various tourism rentals.

I wasn't aware it was the only entrance into Trinity.....

It's not even the most obvious entrance for cyclists.

My point about banning them is that it simplifies matters considerably for pedestrians. The only moving vehicle will be the Luas.

redderneck wrote:Was in the Hague recently for first time. They have a retractable bollard system used to control access to certain city centre areas/streets. No idea on detail but presume you can issue swipe cards offering various access rights; perhaps linked with time of day; payment etc.

Seemed to work reasonably well to me as a visitor - perhaps those better in the know have a different POV on it...

https://denhaag.nl/en/permits-and-exemp ... llards.htm

Bullettyme wrote:

CM11 wrote:

Bullettyme wrote:

CM11 wrote:

Gavin Duffy wrote:Banning cyclists from the front of trinity would be ridiculous.

Why?

People use bikes to get in to university. There's tonnes of them coming in and out. It would also be a prime spot for a Dublin Bikes terminal and various tourism rentals.

I wasn't aware it was the only entrance into Trinity.....

It's not even the most obvious entrance for cyclists.

My point about banning them is that it simplifies matters considerably for pedestrians. The only moving vehicle will be the Luas.

Have you just started making conversations in your head? I know it's not, however there's a huge amount of bike traffic in and out that gate, and to get around to the Nassau street side.

I'm just hazarding some fudging reasons since you seemed to object to the original statement.

I think they would be doing well to put in a cycle lane or two, won't take much space, will be much appreciated.