A new transformative project to help alleviate public transport congestion in Dublin city centre is to be introduced later this month.

The College Green Pathfinder Project will see traffic management measures and on-street enhancements implemented at College Green and Foster Place from Monday 29 May. The College Green bus corridor hours will be also be extended to a 7-day, 24 hour bus corridor.

"This Pathfinder project will enhance the often overlooked area of Foster Place," said the Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy. "The traffic management measures will improve public transport times, as well as creating a more relaxing and inviting environment to enjoy our historic city centre. This is in accordance with the objective for College Green in the development plan 2022 – 2028."

The new traffic management measures will reallocate the road space exclusively to sustainable modes of transport which account for 97% of current journeys through College Green.  

The College Green Pathfinder Project will facilitate the interim enhancement of Foster Place, Dublin 2. Nestled between some of the city's most historic buildings, including the Bank of Ireland and the Irish Stock Exchange, the area will become a more inviting public space with planters and public seating. Access into Foster Place and the Foster Place disabled parking space will be retained.

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Taxis spaces will be reduced in Foster Place and increased instead at the main College Green taxi rank.

Increased interim footpath space (or buildouts) on Dame Street at Foster place will create a safer and more enjoyable experience for the half a million pedestrians travelling through the area on a daily basis. The median opposite Church Lane will also be increased, removing the right turn from Church Lane to College Green. This median area will also be provided with interim public seating and planters.

This initiative is part of the Pathfinder Programme launched in October 2022 by Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan T.D. The Pathfinder Programme consists of 35 exemplar transport projects to be delivered by local authorities and agencies around the country, projects that can visibly demonstrate the value of using public space for better outcomes, such as greater safety, air quality and accessibility. 

Speaking about the project, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan T.D said: "I am delighted to see this launch of the College Green Pathfinder Project – the first steps in delivering a long-awaited and innovative reimagining of the city core. This is the way all of the best cities in the world are moving – making more space for people, for active travel and for public transport and relieving our city centres of choking traffic. The Pathfinder Programme is all about accelerating transport projects that can deliver tangible and sustainable changes for communities and these interventions will do just that; contributing towards a more liveable and enjoyable city."

Works on the enhancement for Foster Place will commence from Monday 29 May 2023, as will the new traffic management measures.