The government has launched an ambitious programme to pedestrianise portions of Dublin to combat pollution, improve public spaces, and support sustainable mobility.
Although this action is commendable for its benefits to the environment and urban planning, it also has important ramifications for the student body and may affect how they vote in the next general election.
Dublin has long suffered from air pollution and traffic congestion, despite being known for its lively streets and dynamic culture. The government wants to lessen its dependency on vehicles by making critical regions safer and more appealing for bikes and pedestrians.
This programme encourages a healthy urban environment and is in line with international initiatives to address climate change.
The pedestrianisation of Dublin inner city presents both benefits and problems for students. On the one hand, it encourages active means of transport like walking and cycling and provides an opportunity to have safer and more enjoyable journeys.
Furthermore, pedestrianised areas can develop into sites for cultural activities and social gatherings, enhancing the whole student experience.
“3,500 submissions were received in a public consultation process and more than 80 per cent of submissions were supportive,” reported by the Irish Times.
But the plan is not without its opposers and argue how it’s clearly aimed towards younger people, Independent Councillor Nial Ring said:
“The process was quite flawed. It was not inclusive, and it was discriminatory and was deliberately designed to exclude older people.”
But there are also worries about delays to routes and accessibility for students who depend on public transit. The reorganisation of traffic patterns can require modifications to students’ commute schedules, which could influence their punctuality and convenience.
Crucially, the pedestrianisation project may have an impact on students’ political participation and choices on how to vote in the upcoming general election.
I spoke to my friend Shane who is an avid commuter to and from college in TUD Bolton Street to get his thoughts:
“As a student who cycles to college daily this plan does excite me, it is cool that finally the government is making plans that’ll actually have an impact, but I’m not convinced it’ll change my vote yet.”
Dublin has a sizable student population, thus their opinion on matters like environmental sustainability and urban development has a lot of weight. Politicians fighting for the support of students need to understand how critical it is to successfully handle these issues.
Students are likely to be drawn to candidates that support green projects and show that they care about improving urban areas. However, people who are thought to be neutral or against these kinds of policies can encounter opposition at the polls. Politicians’ attentiveness to the concerns of younger populations is tested by this new initiative.
