No facilities currently at new stadium to lock up bicycles

Cyclists attending the first match at the revamped Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Wednesday night had no facilities to lock up their bikes at the new stadium.

Twitter user Denis O’Regan posted a number of pictures on social media of bicycles tied to temporary railings and steel poles due to the lack of bike racks around the new build, despite being promised in the initial planning permission.

Asked if the Pairc had forgotten to plan bike racks in the build, County Board Chairperson Ger Lane said: “Everything is being reviewed after Wednesday night in terms of facilities and what is available down there.

“Obviously we want to make it as comfortable as possible as we can for our patrons coming in and if that is something that needs to be installed, it certainly can be looked.” 

Mr Lane said he felt the opening night went well. “We felt it went well, there was a huge turnout, both teams were very happy with the pitch and the facilities.

“There were some issues to be ironed out, that is what we are working on and we are hoping to have any glitches sorted and ironed out for the two big games this weekend.” 

Mr Lane said he did not think putting in bike racks would be a problem.

“Anything that is needed for our patrons will certainly be looked at. I don’t think putting in a bike rack will be a huge cost to us.

When City Hall was questioned about the missing bike racks they said they had requested information from the Engineers with relation to a number of issues specified in planning conditions.

“Further Information has been requested of the Consulting Engineers representing the GAA County Board in relation to a number of issues including Traffic Management Plans as specified in Planning Conditions.

Local Councillor Des Cahill, who lives 200 metres from the new Pairc said the opening night at the Stadium had exposed a couple of problems and the lack of cycle racks was just one of them.

“The need is obviously there and the city wants to encourage walking and cycling so I’m sure it will be addressed. It may have been an oversight.”