Mary Moran (Labour)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Alan Kelly, and call on him to comment on the newly installed double cycle lane at Stapleton Place in Dundalk which has badly affected the safety of residents and road users in general. The road is one of the widest and most picturesque in the town and of high aesthetic value. It was completely rearranged in recent months to facilitate the installation of the double cycle lane on a one-way street. Prior to the installation, two lanes of traffic were facilitated.

As a result of the new cycle lanes, the area presents a safety hazard for residents. Residents living on the left hand side of the road face cyclists if they get out on the passenger side of a car and face oncoming traffic if they get out on the right hand side. Many people with young families are living in the area and find manoeuvring prams, buggies and car seats very dangerous. I witnessed at first hand the danger for all residents, especially those with small families and people with disabilities, whom I know live on the road. They have considerable safety concerns. No matter from what door they emerge, they are emerging into traffic.

Why were residents not consulted before the road works commenced? I understand there was no obligation to consult them. Surely, however, they should have been consulted and their opinions sought before the works were carried out. I am in favour of the installation of cycle lanes and encourage people to cycle so far as possible. I understand the value of cycling, but where it presents a safety hazard for other road users, more consideration should be given and consultation should take place.

Since the cycle lanes were installed, I have not seen an increase in the number cycling on the road, despite the fact that there is a school at the end of it. The junction at the entrance to this road also has been narrowed to ensure that traffic entering is reduced to a single lane. This is causing huge traffic congestion on the road and in the surrounding areas and is completely unnecessary. Moreover, what I can only describe as an unsightly lump of cement has been placed at the entrance and is extremely dangerous. I have witnessed one car hit against the side of it through no fault of the driver. As a result of these road works, the surface of the road is completely unsatisfactory and for the first few weeks after it was laid, I thought it was a temporary road surface. I question the value achieved for the money spent on this project, which was funded by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and would be grateful for a full review of how this project was carried out.