Cork shopowners call for lifting of Patrick Street car ban in run-up to Christmas
Retailers in Cork are calling for the Patrick Street car ban to be lifted in time for Christmas.
Some business owners have experienced a decrease in trade of up to 20%.
Private cars are banned on the street between 3pm and 6.30pm in a bid to reduce congestion.
The traffic management plan was brought in for the second time in August, after a failed attempt to introduce it in April.
Tom Murphy, who owns Murphy's Menswear shop on Patrick Street, says it still is not right.
Mr Murphy said: "Pedestrianisation could be a good thing in the long run.
"But I think that it will have to be put off again because it has had a massive impact on trade in the lead-up to Christmas, and it looks like it's getting worse, not getting better."
Traders are reporting a decline in sales of up to 20%.
Mr Murphy said the ban could work a third-time round.
He said: "If they're going to try and do it again, there is going to have to be much more communication this time. They are going to have to do their homework, they are going to have to get the message out.
"There are loads of people who have come up to Cork from the country, and they seem to be under the impression that the city os closed for business."
