Sandymount cycle lane set to get green light

Plans for a two-way cycle lane in Sandymount which will reduce cars to one lane along the seafront are set to get the go ahead.

This is according to Dublin City Council who say the new cycle track on Strand Road, which is being introduced as part of the Covid-19 mobility plan, should be ready in January for a six month trial.

This follows a public consultation which received 2,922 submissions with 56% of respondents in favour and 27% against, as well as 17% who had mixed views and who expressed some concerns.

However, some local residents in Sandymount feared that northbound traffic looking to cross the East Link bridge would be forced to go through the village and small residential streets leading to greater congestion.

A report from council officials included traffic modelling of the changes which found the biggest increases in traffic would be along Merrion Road with a 114% increase, Sandymount Avenue up 63% and Serpentive Avenue up 35%.

The council report stated said that these increases would be offset by the current reduction in traffic levels of 20-30% and further measures will be introduced such as two additional pedestrian crossings in Sandymount Village.

The report is due to be discussed by local area councillors next Monday but council officials do not require their consent to implement the plan.