Improved and upgraded cycle signage for would benefit people’s physical health and mental wellbeing as well as the environment.
That is according to Fianna Fáil County Councillor Padraig Fleming, who was speaking at the September meeting of the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District.
Cllr Fleming request an update on the installation of the appropriate cycle signage “in the interest of promoting active modes of travel.”
He said that this would improve conditions for cyclist, which in turn would increase the number of people travelling by bicycle.
This, he says, would be a positive for both the environment as well as people’s health and wellbeing.
Mr Paul McLoughlin, Acting Director of Services, responded, saying the County Council are continuing to work towards the provision of cycle signage, but insisted thatbthey must be accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual and the Cycle Design Manual.
He added that all relevant cycle signage is currently being installed on all new active travel schemes.
Cllr Fleming also urged the Council to work with the National Transport Authority (NTA), Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the Department of Transport to ensure that all national, regional, and local roads are covered.
Mr McLoughlin these roads will have signage installed “where cycling is prominent” or where the roads form part of identified cycling routes.
These routes are decided by the National Cycle Network Plan, the Laois Cycle Network (Cycle Connects), as well as localised active travel or safe routes to school schemes.
“A number of locations have had cyclist signs installed to date with further routes to be signed in due course,” Mr McLoughlin said.
Focusing on Ballylinan, Cllr Fleming went on to seek the rebuild the collapsed bridge wall at Boley, as well as the installation of directional signs on the approach to Castletown Cross.
Mr Philip McVeigh, Senior Executive Engineer, said Laois County Council would arrange for works to be carried out at the Boley bridge “as soon as possible.”
With regards to the signs at Castletown Cross, Mr McVeigh reported that following a Council inspection the signs had already been installed.
SEE ALSO – LoveLaois Podcast: Fine Gael drama, publicans, authors and county council meetings are back!!
