Statement from Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu on Covid Mobility Measures and Strand Road Cycle Route trial

With cases of Covid-19 at their highest level yet in Ireland, and with our hospitals, our healthcare workers and our Intensive Care Units under serious pressure, it is more important than ever that we provide space for people to move around safely within their 5km radius.

Since the start of the public health emergency, I have worked closely with officials in Dublin City Council to ensure that mobility measures are implemented which will provide people with the space they need to walk and cycle around their communities safely. We have seen measures introduced across the city including wider footpaths, modal filters and segregated cycle lanes, but we need to do more.

We now know that air pollution can facilitate the virus transmission and increase its persistence in the atmosphere. A reduction in car use in the city will contribute to slowing the spread of the virus, particularly in areas that suffer from poor air quality.

The success of the trials of ‘filtered permeability’ systems at Pigeon House Road and at Grangegorman Lower shows how the council can work with local communities to deliver timely interventions that make our city more accessible and more inclusive to all, regardless of age or ability. I would like to see this spirit of collaboration between the council and local communities continued in the trial of the Strand Road Cycle Route, both from those who support the measures and those who have reservations about them.

I have listened to the concerns of local residents in Sandymount and am committed to a process which will identify any weaknesses during the trial period and introduce additional mitigation measures where necessary to ensure that the quality of life in Sandymount is enhanced for all. I will also engage with the National Transport Authority to make sure that the concerns of residents are listened to, are understood, and are acted upon. The Strand Road Cycle Route is a facility that will benefit all the people of Dublin and it can do so while also improving the lives of people who live in its vicinity.

We are in an emergency situation and it is vital that measures like the Strand Road Cycle Route trial are rolled out without any further delay. I fully support Dublin City Council’s efforts in this regard.

ENDS