The Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu today welcomed people back to Dublin City at the launch of the Dublin City Council “We’ve Missed You Too” campaign.
“I am delighted to welcome people back into Dublin City as the retail stores open their doors today. It is another milestone to celebrate following on from the opening last week of galleries, museums, cultural attractions and libraries, all giving people reasons to return to the city centre and begin to enjoy the things that are unique about our vibrant and special city”, said Lord Mayor Hazel Chu.
“Dublin City Council has been working hard to ensure that that the city is ready and safe for everyone to enjoy. The city has wonderful outdoor spaces, and they will be key to how it is experienced in the future. The pedestrianisation of streets in and around Grafton Street, South Anne Street, Drury Street and Dame Court, the use of street space for al-fresco dining in Capel Street and Merrion Row, new street furniture, the increase in cycle lanes, bins and public toilets will enhance the City’s long-term attractiveness now, and in the future when we welcome our international visitors back”.
“Dublin city businesses very much look forward to welcoming back their customers, having missed them over the past number of months. It has been a difficult time for the city’s business community who need the support of Dubliners now more than ever. We know Dubliners love their city and its unique character and this is a time to savour what makes Dublin so special as we re-emerge together and once again make the city streets our own”, said Richard Guiney, CEO DublinTown.
“The easing of Covid restrictions including the doubling in capacity on public transport from 25% to 50% is a welcome and positive development. It does mean that buses, trains and trams are likely to become busier in the days and weeks ahead, and because capacity is still limited, we’re saying to customers, that before they set out, they should consider whether their journey is necessary. We want to ensure that there’s space on public transport for those who need it most, particularly at peak times when students are travelling to and from school. Our advice is to travel off-peak if at all possible. Plan your trip and leave yourself additional time so you can avoid crowds. Continued co-operation by passengers’ in wearing a face covering on board public transport is more important than ever. We’re asking customers to comply with signage on board vehicles, and to leave windows open where possible”, commented Anne Graham, CEO, NTA.
Speaking the launch, Brian Woods, Chief Superintendent, Dublin Metropolitan Region, An Garda Síochána, said, “An Garda Síochána are delighted to see the public return to Dublin City Centre, and we want to thank the public for their sacrifice and hard work in getting us to this stage. However, we still need to be vigilant and continue to do the right things. Please continue to follow the Public Health advice. Please continue to maintain social distancing and keep washing your hands”.
This initiative is one of the many that will be introduced over the coming months by The Dublin City Council City Recovery Task Force which was established to shape a physical, economic, social, and cultural recovery strategy for the city post Covid-19.