Mixed reaction to plan for two-way cycle lane on Dublin’s north quays

Dublin’s Lord Mayor Christy Burke has urged caution over proposals to restrict access to cars in the city centre by creating a new two-way cycle lane on the north quays.

He said the idea to reduce the number of general vehicle lanes from two to one on the north quays could be problematic as the quays get narrower closer to the city centre.

"I know Owen Keegan [Dublin City Council chief executive] is a cycling enthusiast, but I think we have to be careful if we rush into areas that may not work out at the end of the day," Mr Burke said.

The proposal will have to go to councillors for approval.

Opposition

Opposition to the proposal, which was first aired by Mr Keegan in yesterday's Irish Times, also came from politician turned broadcaster Ivan Yates who described it as "outrageous" and accused the city chief executive of acting like an "autocrat".

Mr Keegan warned the city could no longer sustain the volume of vehicle traffic and that more road space would have to be given to more “sustainable transport” options, most notably cycling and the Luas.

Independent councillor Nial Ring described the proposal as “madness”.

However, former Green Party junior minister and recently elected councillor Ciaran Cuffe said proposals to upgrade the road are "long overdue".