New Active Travel scheme in Waterford will ‘cause far more problems than it will solve’
Cllr Jason Murphy has voiced his opposition to the scheme planned for Waterford city
A new Active Travel scheme planned for Waterford city will “cause far more problems than it will solve”, a local councillor has said.
Fianna Fáil councillor Jason Murphy has voiced his opposition to the Lismore Park, Lisduggan, and Larchville Accessible Neighbourhood Project in its current format.
In a post on Facebook, Cllr Murphy wrote: “As many of you are aware, Waterford City and County Council are proposing very substantial investment into our area.
“This investment is primarily to ‘improve’ transport infrastructure for walkers, cyclists and for what’s now called ‘wheelers’.
“To this end, public meetings and consultations were held to gauge the views of the residents of the area regarding the plans.
“It would then ultimately be brought back to us, your elected representatives, to adopt the plans for implementation, taking into account your views and submissions.”
He continued by saying that after speaking to local residents, he can’t support what is currently being proposed.
“Having attended all the public meetings and extensively engaged with the residents of my area, I cannot in good conscience support the plan as currently presented.
“While I welcome the investment into our area, I believe the plan as presented will cause far more problems than it will solve.
“I will be calling on my fellow councillors to reject this plan and for a substantially changed plan to be put back out to our residents for consideration before any binding decisions are made.”
The Lismore Park, Lisduggan, and Larchville Accessible Neighbourhood Project aims to improve how people move around their neighbourhood.
The proposed works include upgrades to existing walking and cycling links, the creation of new walking and cycling links, and a series of road junction upgrades.
However, the plans for the area have proved controversial with a number of residents raising concern over the location of cycle lanes and the removal of green spaces.