Dublin's Dame Street could look very different as plans to pedestrianise the street are released

New plans to pedestrianise Dame Street in Dublin could see the popular hotspot in the city centre completely transformed.

The street is extremely busy with traffic and sees the majority of bus routes travel down it as part of the public transport network.

Five options were proposed and the most popular one will see vehicular deliveries and access maintained on a 24-hour basis to Dame Street between South Great George’s Street and Anglesea Street. A segregated two-way cycle lane will also be provided along the entire section.

Alternatively, the second most popular option will see vehicular deliveries and access provided from 6am to 11am - a similar arrangement is in place on Grafton Street and Henry Street. The entire area from South Great George’s Street to College Green will be traffic-free outside these hours. A segregated two-way cycle lane will also be provided along the entire section.

In a statement, Dublin City Council said that the purpose of the consultation was "to gain the views of citizens and local businesses about the opportunities that these two options present for the area, with the intention of progressing a proposal."

Brogans Pub on Dame Street during the Coronavirus Covid 19 pandemic in Dublin's city centre. (Gareth Chaney/Collins)

The National Transport Authority's final report on the redesign of bus services in Dublin will also remove the need for buses to use Dame St from South Great Georges St to Trinity College.

"This now creates an opportunity to significantly improve the public realm along Dame St between South Great George's St and Anglesea St, as part of the College Green Plaza project," said the statement.

Dublin City Council previously held a series of trial traffic-free events, the lessons of which have informed the new proposals. Additionally, it's stated that the Covid-19 pandemic has served to reiterate the importance of pedestrian-friendly outdoor public open spaces to the ongoing vitality, economy and health of the city.

The new suggestions are out for public consultation from 5 November until 15 January.

However, the consultation process is non-statutory at this early stage, with a full statutory consultation to be held on the final design at a later date.