Press statement from Brian McDowell
Issued : Wednesday 26 November, 2008
Provision of park and ride facilities, SECURE bicycles facilities and dedicated cycle lane the way forward says MCDOWELL
Labour Local Election candidate for the Donaghmede /Raheny area Brian McDowell has urged Iarnroid Eireann to provide more park and ride facilities and secure bicycles facilities at their dart stations. He has also called for Dublin City Council to ensure that there is a dedicated cycle lane to Dart Stations similar to that provided to schools.
" One of the main problems that I have encountered on the doorstep since I became a local election candidate is the severe traffic problems that people encounter every day across the Donaghmede/ Raheny area. These can relate from traffic congestion on the Grange Road, motorists taking shortcuts through residential areas to avoid the traffic and the chaotic parking problems associated with people using Raheny, Harmonstown, Killbarrack and Howth Junction dart stations."
"The response from Iarnroid Eireann and Dublin City Council to these problems leaves a lot to be desired according to Mr McDowell. "I have constantly called for Dublin City Council to immediately undertake a traffic survey across the area and to provide a plan to control the problem. I am dismayed that they have constantly refused to countenance such a survey."
"The idea that they will now charge for parking at some dart stations as a means of fund raising does not solve the fundamental problem that exist. I am calling on Iarnroid Eireann to provide more park and ride facilities and secure bicycles facilities at their dart stations. I would also call on Dublin City Council to ensure that there is a dedicated cycle lane to Dart Stations similar to that provided to schools. Only a handful of people use their bikes to get to a dart station. One of the main reasons for this is the lack of secure facilities at dart stations. Typically the area is not sheltered or supervised. At Howth Junction there are ? spaces to the front of the station and there is no shelter or security provided. It is a similar situation at other dart stations. Iarnroid Eireann should improve this position before they ask people for money to park their cars."
Secondly the provision of a dedicated cycle lane would increase the possibility of cyclist using the dart stations stated Mr McDowell
Thirdly, the provision of park and ride facilities has to be an integral part of solving the problems that exist.
"These are three small ways that Iarnroid Eireann and Dublin city Council can help encourage people to leave their cars at home and use alternative means of transport concluded Mr McDowell
ENDS
Contact Brian McDowell - 0879161225
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