The Green Party has welcomed the unveiling of plans for College Green in Dublin City Centre. The plans for a car-free plaza with a central fountain were published by Dublin City Council this morning.Cllr. Ciaran Cuffe, chair of the Council's Transportation Strategic Policy Committee said: “These plans will restore College Green as the city's living room. This civic plaza with new trees, seating and a fountain will be attractive for young and old. I am pleased that careful consideration has been given to the needs of all users. The principles of Universal Design will help ensure that people of all ages and abilities can comfortably use the plaza and surroundings.“For too long motorised traffic has dominated the city centre. This design is all about giving College Green back to the citizens of Dublin, as well as attracting visitors from home and abroad. I have no doubt that it will become a place for celebrations and protest, and will become once more a civic heart for the city.“Over time I hope that the former Parliament House now occupied by the Bank of Ireland will become a civic building, and I believe the Minister for Heritage Heather Humphreys TD should reopen this discussion with the bank itself, but that is a matter for another day.“The plans will be submitted to An Bord Pleanala later this month, and will allow for six weeks of public consultation. If they approve the plans, we are hopeful that construction can commence early next year.”ENDSIssued 8th May 2017, page last updated 12th May 2017