And call for House of Lords building to be returned to public use as part of the planSpeaking today, Green Party Councillor Ciarán Cuffe said: “The plan is visionary, necessary and achievable. Traffic changes are required to allow the Luas to travel freely through Dublin City Centre, and this has presented the city with a golden opportunity to provide a significant pedestrianised space at the heart of the city. As chair of Dublin City Council’s Strategic Policy Committee on Transport I have worked hard to ensure that Dublin City Centre will be a vibrant attractive place to live work and relax in when the Luas works are complete. I am pleased to see the publication of today’s plans.“Today’s report is the first stage in implementing the plans. The traffic layout will go to public consultation, and this will be followed by a plan to design the proposed pedestrian area in detail, considering lighting, planting, seating and finishes. This will be done in conjunction with the City Architects’ Division and will also fully consider the public’s views.Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said: “The State should now engage in talks with Bank of Ireland to return the House of Lords building to the people, as a cultural institution at the heart of this new civic space. Bank of Ireland have refused to consider this option but the next Government needs to return to the issue and make sure it happens. Today we are reclaiming the heart of the city for the people of Dublin and we need to make sure that this most historic parliament building is part of the plan.Councillor Claire Byrne, who represents the Pembroke South Dock ward which includes College Green said: “This plan is progressive, practical and sustainable. This proposal will transform College Green into a new public square for the city. We saw how the space can be put to dramatic use when US president Barack Obama spoke in College Green. I have no doubts that we will host concerts and cultural events here once it is pedestrianised.Today’s plan will pedestrianise College Green east of Church Lane which connects Suffolk Street to Dame Street. Eastbound traffic will loop around Church Lane, Andrew Street and Trinity Street. Northbound bus routes will turn left at the junction of South Great George’s Street and Dame Street, and travel on to the North Quays via Parliament Street. The Luas Cross-City line will run between O’Connell Street and Stephen’s Green via College Green and will accommodate buses on Lower Grafton Street and College Green. This will allow Foster Place, Suffolk Street and part of College Green to be pedestrianised. It will also allow for wider footpaths on much of Dame Street, and will provide high quality cycle lanes.ENDS Page last update 8th February 2016