Gorey; A ‘walking and cycling’ only town?

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District meeting

It may not happen in the lifetime of this Council, but Cllr Diarmuid Devereux has predicted that “Gorey will become a pedestrianised town.” He was speaking at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber in the Civic Centre following a presentation by Gorey Pedestrian and Cycling Association (GPCA).

Recently founded, the Association did a recent members survey where 40% of respondents cited the lack of bicycle parking as a barrier to cycling.

Walking was the desired main mode of transport for short journeys (under 5kms) for 29% of respondents and walking was the most desired form of transport, with 52% wanting to walk more often. Many barriers to cycling were the lack of cycle lanes (69%).

When asked if people were more inclined to walk and cycle, 74% were in favour, 31% questioned the quality the quality of the existing cycling lanes and 50% cited a lack of pedestrian crossings as one of the barriers to walking and cycling!

Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach, allowed discussion on the draft traffic plan for Gorey, which he stated, “is a designated town” and it emerged that, in time, the priority list will be walkers, cyclists and cars! Personally, he stated that the Gorey-Courtown footpath needs to be finished!

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin stated that Gorey needs a dedicated lobby group. He liked the outcome of a survey by the GPCA whose key recommendations were 1. More dedicated walking and cycling infrastructure; 2. Upgrades and maintenance for existing infrastructure; 3. Measures to calm and control traffic; 4. Enhanced pedestrian facilities, and 5. Improved communication, public engagement, and education. He would also like to see less HGV’s pass through the town.

Cllr Andrew Bolger was critical of those “parking on footpaths” and he wondered if the traffic plan could be used to secure funding?

Cllr Donal Kenny felt it was “a great wish list”.

Cllr Joe Sullivan wished them all the best. He favoured more walking and cycling in the town, but he questioned how the scheme could be linked to the villages. Cllr Sullivan reminded the members of his many calls for the completion of the Gorey-Courtown footpath, the need for cycle lanes and a 60kph speed limit and the option of walking and cycling linking villages.

Cllr Willie Kavanagh complained about rural roads and reckless users.

Cllr Anthony Donohoe was recently cycling in Holland and he felt that walking and cycling has to be done with cars and that a balanced approach was required.

District Manager Philip Knight told the meeting that he has held a meeting with GPCA.