CAPEL STREET

A SNAPSHOT OF THE EVER CHANGING CAPEL STREET [14 JANUARY 2025]


On the 26th Of January 2025 Eatokyo will close to be replaced by another restaurant and I will discuss this at a later date.

It would appear that construction work is underway at the Capel Street Hotel site and the hotel will operate under the name JULY HOTEL.

The July Hotel development will include a 104-key aparthotel, a retail unit, a licensed café/bar, a welcoming lobby, wellness and sauna facilities, staff amenities, and other ancillary features. This project also involves conservation and internal reconfiguration of the historic building at 162 Capel Street. The reconfigured building will house a retail unit on the ground floor, with hotel accommodations on the upper floors that connect to the new structure on the first, second, and third levels.

In the basement, the development will provide staff facilities, a meeting room, administrative offices, storage, toilets, plant rooms, a gym, a sauna, a linen store, bicycle parking, and an extension to the retail space for the shop at 162 Capel Street. This project combines modern amenities with heritage conservation, enhancing the area’s character while offering comprehensive facilities for both guests and staff.

The pedestrianisation of Capel Street in Dublin is a complex issue with passionate arguments on both sides. Whether it's considered a success depends on what metrics you use to judge it and who you ask. Let's break it down:

Background:

Largest traffic-free space: Capel Street became Dublin's longest traffic-free street in May 2022. It is part of a larger city-wide movement toward car-free or reduced traffic zones.
Initial Trial: The pedestrianisation followed a series of traffic-free trials, including weekend closures.
Mixed Business Reaction: Some businesses were initially very opposed, citing concerns about deliveries, reduced foot traffic, and a potential increase in anti-social behavior. Others were strongly in favor, seeing the potential for a more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment.
Dublin City Council's Vision: The council sees pedestrianisation as a key part of creating a more sustainable, liveable, and attractive city centre.

Arguments for Success:

Increased Pedestrian Space and Amenity:
Improved Public Realm: The street is undoubtedly a more pleasant place for pedestrians. There's space to walk, linger, and enjoy outdoor seating.
Reduced Noise and Air Pollution: With no cars, the street is significantly quieter and the air quality is noticeably better.
More Space for Outdoor Dining: This has been a major boon for many restaurants and cafes, particularly during the warmer months.

Positive Impact on Certain Businesses:

Restaurants and Cafes: Many eateries have benefited from increased outdoor seating capacity, attracting more customers.
Unique Character: Some argue that pedestrianisation has helped solidify Capel Street's identity as a diverse and vibrant destination, possibly drawing in a wider range of customers.
Increased Footfall (Anecdotal Evidence): While reliable data on footfall is hard to come by, many businesses and residents have reported seeing more people walking and spending time on the street, particularly during weekends and evenings.
Cultural Hub: The street has hosted events, markets, and performances, becoming a more lively public space.
Safety: Supporters highlight that a traffic-free environment is inherently safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Contribution to City-Wide Goals: The project aligns with Dublin City Council's goals of reducing carbon emissions, promoting sustainable transport, and enhancing the quality of life in the city centre.

Arguments Against Success (or Areas for Improvement):

Concerns from Some Businesses:
Deliveries: Some businesses have reported difficulties with deliveries, despite the provision of loading bays. The restricted hours for deliveries can be a challenge.
Reduced Passing Trade (Perceived): Some businesses, especially those that might have relied on passing car traffic, still feel that their foot traffic has decreased.
Loss of Parking: While there are nearby car parks, the removal of on-street parking is a concern for some businesses and their customers.
Anti-Social Behaviour: There have been concerns that the lack of vehicular traffic might contribute to an increase in anti-social behaviour. While not a problem exclusive to pedestrianized areas, it's a factor that needs to be addressed by the council and Gardaí (police).
Impact on Traffic in Surrounding Areas: Some argue that pedestrianisation has simply displaced traffic to nearby streets, increasing congestion in those areas. A comprehensive traffic management plan is essential to mitigate this.
Accessibility for People with Disabilities: While the street is generally more accessible for wheelchair users now that there are no cars, there are concerns about the availability of disabled parking spaces and potential issues with navigating outdoor seating areas.
Lack of Clear Communication and Consultation: Some businesses felt that the initial consultation process was inadequate and that their concerns were not fully addressed. Ongoing communication and engagement are crucial for the long-term success of the project.
Overall Assessment:

The pedestrianisation of Capel Street is a qualified success with some room for improvement.

Positive Transformation: It has undeniably transformed the street into a more pedestrian-friendly and vibrant public space. Many businesses and residents have embraced the change, and it aligns with the broader goals of creating a more sustainable city.
Ongoing Challenges: However, legitimate concerns remain regarding deliveries, accessibility, traffic displacement, and anti-social behaviour. These issues need to be actively addressed by Dublin City Council.
Long-Term Evaluation Needed: It's still relatively early to fully assess the long-term impact of the project. Ongoing monitoring of footfall, business performance, traffic patterns, and resident feedback is essential.
Moving Forward:

For the pedestrianisation of Capel Street to be considered a resounding success, Dublin City Council needs to:

Improve Delivery Access: Explore options for better loading bays, more flexible delivery times, or alternative solutions like cargo bikes.
Address Anti-Social Behaviour: Work with the Gardaí to ensure adequate policing and consider other measures to improve safety and security.
Enhance Traffic Management: Implement a comprehensive traffic management plan for the surrounding areas to mitigate congestion.
Improve Accessibility: Ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are fully met, particularly regarding parking and navigation.
Ongoing Communication and Engagement: Maintain open communication with businesses and residents, actively seek feedback, and be willing to adapt the scheme as needed.
In conclusion, the pedestrianisation of Capel Street is a bold and generally positive step towards a more liveable Dublin. However, it's a work in progress, and its ultimate success will depend on the council's willingness to address the remaining challenges and work collaboratively with all stakeholders.