Dubliners enjoy a Grafton Street free of motor vehicles for a month long pedestrianisation experiment.
The removal of cars has transformed one of the busiest shopping streets in Dublin. Grafton Street is now decorated with flowers, potted plants and seating to create a more welcoming environment for shoppers and visitors. Many people welcome the change, enjoying cleaner air and a more relaxed atmosphere free from traffic.
Grafton Street with traffic, before pedestrianisation
Traffic that would normally pass through Grafton Street has been diverted, with little disruption reported elsewhere in the city. However, Mr Donoghue of the Automobile Association noted that some shortcomings remain in the alternative routes and said further adjustments may be needed to prevent bottlenecks from developing.
Pedestrians on a traffic free Grafton Street. Photo by Eve Holmes (1971)
Pedestrians take a rest on a traffic free Grafton Street. Photo by Eve Holmes (1971)
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 6 September 1971. The reporter is Paddy Smith.