Call for ‘national scrutiny’ of Waterford Active Travel scheme amid ‘major concerns’
A Waterford resident has written to national media outlets over the issue
A call has been made for “national scrutiny” of a proposed Active Travel scheme in Waterford city amid the “major concerns” of residents.
Local resident Arunas Jag has written to various national media outlets regarding the Lismore Park, Lisduggan, Larchville: Accessible Neighbourhood Project.
In the email, Mr Jag wrote: “What is being presented as an improvement to Active Travel is being described by many local residents as a disaster for the communities affected.
“There are a number of major concerns that deserve national scrutiny.
“51 mature trees are proposed to be removed from Paddy Browne’s Road. Mature trees are also proposed to be removed along Skibereen Road.
“Green space outside Sunrise Crescent would be destroyed, with the existing road proposed to be rerouted and brought directly in front of residents' homes.”
He continued by outlining the concerns of residents when it comes to the placement of cycle lanes.
“In Manor Saint John, residents face the prospect of a cycle lane being placed directly outside their homes and entrances.
“There are concerns that the proposed layout will create blind spots and potentially unsafe situations involving cyclists, pedestrians, vehicles and residents entering or leaving their properties.
“The proposals would have a significant impact on parking, access and established residential areas.
“Meanwhile, many existing roads remain in poor condition and require basic maintenance.”
Mr Jag said that while residents do not oppose the implementation of Active Travel schemes generally, such infrastructure must be safe for all road users.
“Residents are not opposed to walking and cycling infrastructure. Many support properly designed pedestrian crossings and measures that genuinely improve safety.
“But infrastructure must be safe, practical and appropriate for the communities where it is being installed.
“Putting cycle lanes immediately outside residential doors, particularly where there may be restricted visibility and blind spots, raises serious questions about whether the proposed design actually improves safety.
“There is also a wider concern that the project does not go far enough in addressing the problems residents actually experience, while at the same time making major and irreversible changes to established neighbourhoods.”