FCC to review Hartstown cycle lanes after several local complaints

Fingal County Council has announced it is reviewing the newly installed cycle lanes in Hartstown after numerous complaints were filed with local representatives about safety of the infrastructure.

In a question tabled by local Fianna Fail councillor Tom Kitt, the chief executive of the council said the lanes are currently under inspection by several bodies.

“The newly installed cycle lanes in Hartstown are currently under review with the CDO (NTA’s Cycle Design Office), NTA and FCC.

“Once this review is completed the findings of this review will be shared.

“All of the newly installed infrastructure is designed in accordance with the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) and the National Cycle Manual.”

The cycle lanes, which were installed late last year, have been the target of criticism from local residents who say they have been a “safety hazard.”

An online petition calling for the removal of the lanes has so far seen nearly 1,200 signatures.

The petition reads: “The people of Hartstown, Hunstown and Mountview see the installation of these new cycle lanes as nothing more than a safety hazard and a complete waste of resources.

“They are a complete un-necessary addition to our parish roads, with there being no need for them whatsoever.

“We want them to be completely removed.

“Cycle lanes painted on the street surface were suited perfectly fine.

“Elderly people have already fell over and become injured due to these nuisance lanes.”

The petition also says that emergency vehicles may struggle to get through Hartstown Road if traffic congestion is high with cycle lane in place.

“When two Dublin bus are passing alongside each other there is traffic jams created, what if a car breaks down or an emergency vehicle needs to get through?

“Especially during school times, there will be absolutely no space. There has been nothing but negative feedback on these lanes and so we as a community would like them to be removed as soon as possible.”

Late last year the issue of the lanes was brought up in the Dail with Sinn Fein TD Paul Donnelly saying they were causing “great consternation and annoyance for many people.”

“I have received hundreds of complaints from residents who are trying to access and egress their estates.

“I live in Lohunda in Clonsilla, just off the Mountview Road where it has caused huge problems for people trying to get in and out.

“We need more consultation on these cycle lanes and to examine the guidelines.

“Reports from Fingal County Council suggest it is using the National Transport Authority, NTA, guidelines, which, unfortunately, do not appear to be fit for purpose.”

Deputy Donnelly said that “people have been woken at 2 a.m.

“They cannot get in and out of their homes and up to a dozen people have fallen over the lane dividers. We need to do something. Can we get a commitment to change the guidelines?”