South William Street has been "reclaimed."
Several activist groups - including Extinction Rebellion, Dublin Cycling Campaign, Dublin Commuter Coalition, and Irish Pedestrian Network - have come together on Saturday afternoon to stop cars from driving down South William Street in Dublin city centre.
Barricades and traffic cones have been erected at either end of the street, effectively preventing motorists from using the popular street - which is home to many restaurants and bars.
The area has been designated a "Clean Air Zone."
Protestors are joined by councillors from the Green Party, including Michael Pidgeon. Pidgeon has shared live video-feed from the street, showing that the protestors are allowing cars to exit from Drury Street car park, but beyond that the street has been "pedestrianised."
"We've got tables out, we've got people walking every where, we've got a music coming from all the different shops," Pidgeon says.
"You can notice that it's much, much quieter. You can hear things, people are talking to each other... As far as I know the activists are going to be here for a few more hours."
Pidgeon said the plan is for protestors to remain at South William Street until "7ish."
You can see for yourself what the "pedestrianised" version of South William Street looks like.
https://twitter.com/Pidge/status/1152561341158371329
Tomorrow, Dublin City Council will officially pedestrianise the nearby College Green for a trial period of one day.
Graeme McQueen of Dublin Chamber said: "We’re pleased to see the Council taking the idea up. Trial days can help get more people and businesses on board with the idea - giving them a real chance to experience first hand what a plaza would be like.
"College Green is a really key space in the city, particularly from a transport point of view. It also boasts some stunning buildings, which at the moment we don’t get to fully appreciate due to how frantic the area is.
https://twitter.com/neasa_neasa/status/1152510330834161670
