Next generation 'counting on bike lane' for Limerick, says Cycle Campaign

THE NEXT generation is “counting” on a bike lane for South Circular Road.

That’s the view of Conor Buckley, the chairman of the Limerick Cycle Campaign, who has urged councillors to “be brave, do the right thing and support" the €6m plan.

At the metropolitan council meeting later this month, members will decide whether a plan to build a cycle lane in South Circular Road, down Henry Street and into the city should proceed.

But the project has sparked deep divisions – approximately three-quarters of people contributing to a public council consultation have come out against the proposals.

Their concerns centre mainly around the elimination of parking spaces in South Circular Road, while Henry Street traders have raised concern at the viability of their businesses.

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Mr Buckley warned members – who have the power to accept or reject the plan – will come under “intense pressure” from “more conservative voters who do not want change.”

But the opposition has led to a number of compromise measures being put forward, including making Henry Street one-way only to motorised vehicles and also reinstating the parking spots, while at the same time creating a shared pedestrian/cycle surface.

The campaign chair wants the scheme delivered “without interruptions” to the proposed cycle track.

“Suggesting to remove the cycle track from any section of the scheme in favour of a small number of private on-street parking spaces goes against Limerick's recently published and ratified transport strategy, It goes against national climate action policy and it goes against the students, workers and families that will benefit from this active travel corridor,” he said.

Mr Buckley acknowledged councillors who will decide on the project have a tough job.

“In the face of a declared climate emergency, we need political leadership, we need to see the next generation of political leaders step forward and support the delivery of Limerick's sustainable transport system,” he said, warning if the scheme is watered down, transport authority funding may not come.