Chapel St cycle lane “crazy”

DUNDALK Town Councillor Eamon O’Boyle has described the double cycle lane currently being constructed in Chapel Street as “crazy”.

“It beggars belief,” the Fine Gael Cllr said. It’s not adding to road safety, it’s taking away from it.

“It is totally destroying a busy thoroughfare in the centre of the town. If a fire tender or ambulance had to get down the street it would be in real difficulty. People’s lives could be in danger.

“As well as that, delivery and refuse trucks are unable to get through safely

“It’s a retrograde step and totally defeats the purpose of cycle lanes.

“These lanes are being pushed through over every other consideration. They will be used by two per cent of the population at most.

“I know the idea is to get people using bikes but there has been no consideration of the problems that have arisen during the construction of this network.

“It’s just being steam-rolled through and there is no evidence that it will all link up and actually work.

“Businesses have already been hit and that’s something we can’t afford at this particular time.”

“The manner in which it is being implemented is a disgrace. There has been no consultation.

“I supported Cllr Maria Doyle who called for the whole thing to be looked into after the complete mess that was made of Stableton Place.

“But the councillors have been left without any say in the matter. Elected representatives are there as the people’s watchdog but we are being ignored and this is just going ahead regardless.

“Just because the money is provided by central government doesn’t mean there should have free reign to destroy the ambience of a busy street and inconvenience so many people.

“Common sense should prevail.”