Dublin's longest traffic-free street is now in operation.
Capel Street is the first road on Dublin's northside to become car-free since Henry Street 50 years ago.
Following a public consultation last year, 91 percent of the more than 1,700 submissions received were positive towards the change.
Works were carried out last night to allow the busy thoroughfare in the north inner city to become traffic-free.
It follows a number of weekend trials last summer.
Capel Street is officially open and is now Dublin's longest traffic free street! 🥳 #CapelStreet #Dublin pic.twitter.com/R9mUuE5I7H
— Dublin City Council (@DubCityCouncil) May 20, 2022
Cyclists will still be allowed to use the north inner city route and deliveries will be facilitated from 6 to 11 each morning.S
Street games like hopscotch have been painted on part of the road to encourage children to enjoy the new traffic-free stretch.
However, this morning some businesses say it's caused gridlock in the area and they've already lost customers.
But Dublin Lord Mayor, Alison Gilliland, believes it will be a positive step in the long term:
"If people are walking past your shop rather than driving past, there's a greater likelihood that they will actually go into your shop and purchase. So I really do hope that the businesses hold out. We will be promoting the accessibility and the pedestrianisation of the street as much as we can. Also working with businesses to enhance their shop front".
