Cycleways suspension is ‘disheartening’

A SOUTHSIDE TD has described a decision to “grind to a halt” the ongoing development of a 29km Dublin walking and cycling route as disheartening.

It emerged last week that the Dodder Greenway, the Grand Canal Greenway and phase four of the Royal Canal Greenway have all been suspended because of the cost of the Luas cross-city project.

Also suspended are the Clonskeagh to City scheme, the Drury Street cycle parking project and the Heuston to Chapelizod Greenway.

In a statement, the National Transport Authority, which provides funding for the projects, said the resources of Dublin City Council need to be “re-focussed” because of the demands of Luas cross-city and other traffic management schemes.

“As the various projects linked to Luas cross city are progressed, resources will then be released to reactivate the other projects,” the authority stated.

Commenting on the development, Deputy John Lahart (FF) said the Dodder Greenway and other cycleways which were part of a €30 million funding package for improved cycling facilities announced by the Government two years ago, were crucial to the safety of cyclists, pedestrians and motorists.

“I am disappointed that this is being jeopardised and now put at risk,” Deputy Lahart said. “The number of cyclists continues to increase significantly and there are a great number commuting by bike as opposed to Luas, car, bus and other options.

“The project was an integral part of an overall plan in improving amenities in the greater Dublin area,” added the Fianna Fáil TD. 

“South Dublin County Council was allocated €1.5 million in EU funding for the project earlier this year, it is therefore uncertain on what or when this capital was spent and this must be clarified.

“This is vital infrastructure that is now being neglected,”Deputy Lahart added. “Expansion works on the Luas cross city line are important but so too is the development of the cycleways. Both projects should coincide with one another through stages of completion. The appropriate plans should have been in place to ensure this and to avoid any delay in progress.

“This decision by Minister Ross is extremely short-sighted. This cycle lane network could remove thousands of commuters from congested peak hour traffic on our roads. And, in a society where obesity is becoming an ever increasing problem, an integrated network of cyclelanes would also provide thousands of people with an outlet to exercise on a daily basis.

“More must be done to provide safe cycling and we must not compromise one project over another.”

There was no comment from Minister Ross’s office at time of going to press.