Re: Re: Looks a bit different now?

Bluefoam,
A major factor in the redevelopment of the street was the removal of cars and the return of the street to the public. It’s not just about aesthetics, A lot of time was put into rerouting cars around O’Connell St, thereby liberating the space to pedestrians again, more crossings, etc

If you want to get hung up on aesthetics, it looks cleaner because the dull grey is gone, replaced by a classier pavement. Other European Cities use such schemes because they encourage growth in the retail sector as well as bringing people back on to the street, to stroll around and enjoy the atmosphere. The old trees, with their gargantuan roots just obstructed that.