‘Cycle plan could put me out of business’

A FAIRVIEW business owner fears that updated plans for the Clontarf to City Centre Cycle Scheme could put him out of business.

Under this project, initially included in the National Transport Authority’s Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan 2013, significant work has already begun to improve pedestrian and cycling safety at junctions including the Five Lamps and Malahide Road.

The scheme has developed into more than just a cycling project, however, and is now a large-scale public realm enhancement programme that will affect bus services, footpaths, public spaces and Fairview Park.

A new plan was announced in May with construction of the cycle lane through Fairview due to start early next year.

It will take two years to build once work begins because it involves such extensive ground and public realm works.

Damian Duggan, who runs Duggan Jewellers on Annesley Bridge Road, is deeply concerned, however, about the effect all this may have on his business.

“I am in no way whatsoever anti cyclist, I cycle myself, I also walk and drive,” Damien said.

“This is not an issue with the cycle lane which will eventually be built, I’m all for it, I’ve no problem with that.

“What I do have a problem with is the plan that’s been drawn up to construct the new enhanced cycle lane which will effectively close down Fairview for two years.

Paul Brady from Brady Butchers, Fairview and Damien Duggan from Duggan Jewellers beside the cycle lane outside their shops.
Photo by Darren Kinsella

“There are so many issues,” he added.

“From the start of next year inbound general traffic from Malahide and Howth is going to be redirected through Ballybough.

“No one is going to go anywhere next nor near Fairview and the businesses here are going to really struggle.

“Redirecting traffic will also turn Marino into a rat run. I don’t think the majority of residents fully know what is going to happen and they’re all just delighted that the cycle lane is going to be improved.

“Three Sundays ago bollards were placed along outside my shop.

“Because of the bollards some businesses here now can’t get delivery trucks to stop outside their premises, which is very frustrating for them.”

Mr Duggan says he can’t understand why the council don’t enhance the cycle lane which is already in Fairview Park.

The current cycle lane outside Fairview Park.
Photo by Darren Kinsella

“In my view at this stage every development in Dublin is about cyclists.

“We are celebrating 40 years in business this year. We have survived robberies, two recessions, Covid but this could close me down and I don’t know what to do.”

Paul Brady of Brady’s Butchers next door, said:

“Delivery vans not being able to park outside my shop is only one problem created by this plan.

“Closing off the Annesley Bridge Road, which is the main artery from North Dublin into the city, makes absolutely no sense at all.

“We’ve been in business since 2006, I hope to be still here 14 years from now.”

Dublin City Council did not reply to a request for comment at time of going to press.