Cycle lanes consultation
Deputy Donnelly complains that cycle lane schemes are causing access problems for residents in his area and need better consultation. The Tánaiste agrees consultation is essential but says local councils have the main responsibility.
The programme for Government features the roll-out of cycle lanes. In our constituency, around Hartstown, Huntstown and the Mountview area, this has caused 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. 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?
Comment on this
I have also received some complaints on the same matter. It is more one for the council than central government. I think everyone appreciates why the cycle lanes have been put in place. We want people to cycle more and, at a time public transport is advised against for public health reasons, we want to facilitate more people to cycle. However, there must be proper consultation with local communities, which does not always happen. We have had some difficulties with traffic in the Phoenix Park, and with cycle lanes in Hartstown, Huntstown and Mountview. I will commit to engage with the Minister, Deputy Ryan, and the NTA on this to see if we can improve things.