Dublin 2026: No Emission Zone, but the Quays Turn Bus-Only
Dublin, Ireland · LEZ
Dublin has no low emission zone, and Irish councils lack the power to create one. The live restriction is on the quays: at O'Connell Bridge cars cannot go straight on from 7am to 7pm.
Emissions will not get a visiting car into trouble in Dublin: there is no low emission zone, and the regional air quality plan says plainly that Irish councils do not yet have the legal power to create one. The rule that does catch drivers is on the River Liffey quays. Since 25 August 2024, cars arriving at O’Connell Bridge can no longer carry straight on along the river between 7am and 7pm, seven days a week.
This page covers driving around Dublin. For the legal position on the zone, see the Dublin emission zone details.
The O’Connell Bridge turns
On the north side, general traffic may use Bachelors Walk but must turn left at O’Connell Bridge; the straight run onto Eden Quay is for public transport, taxis and cyclists. On the south side, the straight run from Burgh Quay onto Aston Quay is reserved the same way, and the left turn from Westmoreland Street onto Aston Quay is too. Fleet Street car park and Temple Bar deliveries are reached via Westmoreland Street and Fleet Street. Outside 7am-7pm every movement reopens.
Leave the car at a Luas stop
The Luas runs paid park-and-ride car parks at Red Cow (Red Line) and at Stillorgan, Sandyford, Balally and Carrickmines (Green Line). A 24-hour ticket at Red Cow, Stillorgan or Sandyford is EUR 4; you pay at the platform machine with your registration number before you board. In the centre, street parking is mostly pay-and-display, by machine or through Payzone.
Road rules to carry with you
Traffic keeps left. Built-up areas default to 50 km/h, and the standard alcohol limit is 0.05% (50 mg per 100 ml of blood), dropping to 0.02% for learner, novice and professional drivers.
Sources
- Dublin City Council, Dublin Region Air Quality Plan 2021 (local authorities lack powers to introduce low emission zones; Measure 9 appraisal): dublincity.ie
- Dublin City Council, City Centre Transport Plan FAQs (measures from 25 August 2024, 7am to 7pm Monday to Sunday, Bachelors Walk/Eden Quay and Burgh Quay/Aston Quay): dublincity.ie
- Road Traffic Act 2010, s.4 (50 mg per 100 ml blood; 20 mg for specified drivers): irishstatutebook.ie
- TFI Luas, car parking and park-and-ride tariffs: luas.ie
- Dublin City Council, pay-and-display parking and Payzone: dublincity.ie
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Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Dublin Region Air Quality Plan states that Irish local authorities do not have the legal power to introduce such zones, and proposes only an appraisal of the law and of feasibility. No vehicle needs a sticker or permit, and there is no emissions fine.
From 25 August 2024, Dublin City Council restricted the straight-ahead movements at O'Connell Bridge: Bachelors Walk to Eden Quay on the north side and Burgh Quay to Aston Quay on the south side are for public transport, taxis and cyclists only, from 7am to 7pm every day. Outside those hours all vehicles can travel as before.
The left, as everywhere in Ireland. Hire cars are right-hand drive, and roundabouts are taken clockwise, so give yourself extra time at junctions and when pulling out of car parks for the first few days.
The Luas operates paid park-and-ride car parks at Red Cow on the Red Line and at Stillorgan, Sandyford, Balally and Carrickmines on the Green Line. A 24-hour ticket at Red Cow, Stillorgan or Sandyford costs EUR 4, paid at the platform machine before boarding.
Most central streets are pay-and-display. You buy a ticket at the street machine or pay through Payzone by app, SMS or online, and paid parking controls do not apply on public holidays such as St Patrick's Day and Christmas Day.
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