Talks collapse in row over cycle lane plans

FURY: Meeting with council is abandoned

Geraldine Gittens

A ROW has erupted between angry north inner city residents and Dublin City Council over a cycle lane that will require the construction of two costly new bridges.

The council is proposing a 4.5metre-wide cycle lane on West Road in East Wall, but residents claim it will put cyclists in danger of articulated trucks on the narrow road.

West Road is a small residential road with vital on-street parking and forms part of the route for the number 53 bus.

A public meeting on the controversial route had to be abandoned last Thursday because residents felt they were being kept in the dark about the plans.

Angela Broderick, from East Wall Residents' Association, said: "There's mistrust between the residents and the council, and a lot of trust-building is needed.

"A meeting had to be abandoned and the council had no way of presenting the plans on Powerpoint. They were just going to read them out to people. But war broke out because people felt it was just another example of the way they treat residents in East Wall."

The cycle lane will be part of the Sutton to Sandycove Premium Cycle Lane and residents claim the council is choosing a costly and winding route to pass from East Wall to Spencer Dock.

"The circuitous route which DCC have chosen for the cycle lane spans the River Tolka and the Royal Canal to link with Spencer Dock," said Angie.

Pathway

"The best route for the cycle lane would be to come down the East Wall Road and use the existing Samuel Beckett Bridge that spans the Liffey but, instead, cyclists will turn right at the end of Alfie Byrne Road on to a new pathway and will cross the River Tolka over a new bridge."

The row broke out earlier this year when residents claimed the council's plans were never displayed while out to public consultation in 2009.

However, a council spokesperson said: "The council complied with the regulations in regard to putting plans on display. This is normal practice."