PROGRESS REPORT

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CAPEL STREET ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE MAY BANK HOLIDAY

I live in the immediate area and pass along Capel Street at least four times a day so I frequent photograph it.

Capel Street in Dublin is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at creating a more vibrant and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. Here's a breakdown of the current situation:

Planned Improvements: The first phase of the project focuses on enhancing the street's appeal for pedestrians. This includes installing more public seating, adding artistic features like a "floating light feature," and improving the overall look and feel of the road surface with new materials.

Completion Timeline: Unfortunately, there's no publicly available information on the exact completion date for the current phase. You can try contacting Dublin City Council or checking their website for updates.

Footfall Claims: Opponents of the pedestrianisation plan have argued that the street is now constantly deserted and they publish photographs as proof [taken at 7am]. However, there's no current data to support this claim. In fact, anecdotal evidence suggests the opposite – the improvements might be attracting more people as the area becomes more attractive.

Data on Business Impact

As of today (May 4, 2024), there isn't any publicly available data on the impact of the Capel Street improvements on businesses. It's likely still too early to assess the full effect. Here are some possibilities to consider:

Short-Term Disruption: Construction can cause temporary inconvenience, potentially deterring some customers. However, this should subside once the improvements are complete.
Long-Term Potential: A more pedestrian-friendly street could attract more visitors, leading to increased business in the long run. This is the hope behind the project.