22 August 2002: Dublin City Council has announced the implementation of a radical new traffic management plan for the city centre which includes major traffic management changes in the O'Connell Street, North King Street and Pearse Street areas and the introduction of a new directional sign posting system.

The system involves the creation of an inner and an outer 'orbital' routes, which will be designated by buff-coloured (inner) and purple (outer) signage.

The signs will require knowledge of road numbers in and around the city, and unique numbers which are being attached to specific junctions, such as Parnell St/Kings Inns St being designated junction 33.

An information leaflet on the traffic management changes and on the new directional sign system has been prepared and will be distributed through newspapers, Dublin Motor Tax Offices, Dublin City Public Libraries and at the East and West Link Toll bridges.

A number of traffic direction changes will occur between yesterday (21 August) and 30 September to facilitate the implementation of the new system.

O Connell Street Area
With effect from Monday, 26 August 2002 the following changes will come into operation:

* North Frederick Street is one way for general traffic from Parnell Square to Dorset Street.

* General traffic on Blessington Street can only turn left or right at Dorset Street.

* There is no left or right turn from Dorset Street to North Frederick Street.

* Access to North Frederick Street will be via a new right turn from Gardiner Row/Denmark Street and a new left turn from Parnell Square North.

* There will be no access to O'Connell Street from Parnell Square East except for buses, taxis, cycles and motorcycles.

* Access to O'Connell Street for deliveries and access to car parks will be via Cathal Brugha Street.

North King Street Area
With effect from 21 August 2002 the following changes will come into effect :

* Southbound general traffic on Stoneybatter will be required to turn left onto North King Street.

* Access to Blackhall Place for general traffic will be via Queen Street and Blackhall Street. Only buses, taxis, cycles and motorcycles will be permitted to travel southbound on Blackhall Place.

* North King Street will be one way from Church Street to Queen Street.

* Brunswick Street North will be one way from George's Lane to Church Street.

* Traffic on Brunswick Street will now be able to turn right at Church Street.

* Blackhall Street will be one way from Queen Street to Blackhall Place.

Pearse Street to College Green
With effect from Monday 30 September 2002, all general traffic on Pearse Street will be required to turn right onto Tara Street.

Only buses, taxis, motorcycles and cycles will be permitted to travel from Pearse Street through to College Green and general traffic that needs to access the area between Pearse Street and College Green.

New Road Signage System
The traffic management changes will be complemented by a major new traffic directional sign posting initiative intended to provide improved information for all road users in the city and to divert through traffic onto inner and outer orbital routes and away from the city centre.

As part of the new signage system almost 500 new signs will be erected over the coming weeks. The new system relies on unique junction numbers and route numbers.