PLANS for a pedestrian plaza at College Green in Dublin have been rejected.
Dublin City Council wanted to ban east-west traffic movement through the area, arguing that with the introduction of the Cross City Luas there were too many disruptions to traffic flow.
An Bord Pleanála said there was merit in the €10 million proposals but added there was insufficient information on the impact to traffic, especially buses.
The council, it said, failed to show that footpaths on either side of the Quays had the capacity to take the increased numbers that would be re-directed due to bus re-routing.
It added that the scheme would have produced "a quality public realm that would significantly enhance the amenity and attractiveness of this city centre location".
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he was disappointed.
"Hopefully Dublin City Council can work up a revised proposal," he said.
The plan received objections from hoteliers, business groups and taxi representatives, who argued it would make it harder to access the city centre.
