Call to expand Cork bike scheme to outlying areas

CALLS have been made for the public bike scheme in Cork to be expanded to local areas.

Labour Party candidate in Blackrock, Peter Horgan, has said that any expansion has to include Blackrock as a priority.

“While it is welcome that a review is under way for the expansion of the scheme, it is vital that the review puts Blackrock front and centre on the expansion priority list,” said Mr Horgan.

“What is critical is the expansion of the scheme southside, towards Blackrock and Mahon, and out to Douglas and Rochestown, creating a triangle bike network that also subs into the city.

“These areas have been described as low-hanging in the past; well, now it’s time to pick them.

“We also need to see the expansion of the scheme on to the northside, as has been advocated by my party colleague, councillor John Maher, for years. We, in Labour, will continue to advocate for a fuller, bolder public bike scheme in Cork City that can serve everyone,” he added.

In response to a parliamentary question from the Labour Party, the National Transport Authority (NTA) said: “The NTA manages the regional public bike schemes in Cork, Waterford, Limerick, and Galway.

“The TFI bikes in Cork has seen a significant increase in usage across 2023 and a review of the system is currently being undertaken to assess the potential for expansion as part of the re-tender of the operational services in 2024.

“This review will also look at the bike station design, with a view to making it similar and cheaper to provide in an expanded network.

“As this is still in development and will form part of a future tender, we are not in a position to provide any detailed cost breakdowns at this point.”