DUBLIN cyclists have rejected plans to close the Royal Canal Greenway for up to six years during construction of MetroLink.
Proposals by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the National Transport Authority would temporarily close the Greenway between Broombridge railway station and Cross Guns Bridge in Phibsborough.
The Dublin Cycling Campaign says closing the popular greenway would be counterproductive to efforts to provide alternatives to travelling by car.
“The Royal Canal Greenway is one of the few safe and traffic free cycle routes in the city,” said Dublin Cycling Campaign Chairperson, Paul Corcoran.
“It is a vital corridor for commuter cyclists in the north and west of the city, as well as a family-friendly amenity.
“Options exist that would maintain the walking and cycle route during construction.”
Cyclists have criticised the lack of alternative arrangements for pedestrians and cyclists during construction in the MetroLink proposals.
They believe it should be possible to build a new bridge over the Royal Canal and temporarily redirect the greenway onto the south bank of the canal during construction.
“There is a real risk that MetroLink will be a repeat of TII’s last major project, Luas Cross City,” warned Colm Ryder, Chairperson of Cyclist.ie.
“Luas Cross City made cycling more dangerous in the city centre, despite numerous promises from transport authorities that it would improve cycle infrastructure.”
Dublin Cycling Campaign has outlined its concerns in a submission to the public consultation on MetroLink, which closes this week.
The submission calls for pedestrians and cyclists to be allowed cross the MetroLink line north of Swords and for the metro bridge over the M50 to include a pedestrian and cycle path.
The cyclists also want every MetroLink station to have covered, secure bike parking with sufficient spaces and high safety standards for construction vehicles on MetroLink construction sites to protect vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.
Last week over 100 cyclists staged a protest outside the Dáil to highlight a need for better biking infrastructure.
Meanwhile, as well as losing the Royal Canal Greenway, locals in Glasnevin and Phibsborough have also expressed dismay that the popular Hedigans Brian Boru pub will be demolished under the proposals to make way for a MetroLink station.