A Kilmacthomas councillor has called for bicycle wardens to be put in place along the Waterford Greenway.
Cllr. Ger Barron (Labour) told the Comeragh District of Waterford Council that a number of locals have raised concerns regarding safety along the track, particularly in the wake of the murder of Ashling Murphy in Tullamore.
Cllr. Barron told the January meeting of the District that there needs to be safeguards put in place.
"In the early days of the Greenway, we floated the idea of having cycling wardens. That would add a bit of security for people who will see them. If one was based in Waterford and one would be based in Dungarvan, they could probably cycle once a day there. If people saw somebody on a bicycle that a warden jacket, it would add a bit of security."
The Labour Party councillor says they would be able to answer questions and encourage proper use of the Greenway. He says the role could serve a dual-purpose in terms of public relations and security.
"They could cycle up and down, meet in Kilmacthomas and turn around. It would also mean that people could ask them questions about the proper use of the Greenway - where they can get off and various things. It could be a great PR role as well as a role that provides security."
Previous incidents
Cllr. Barron says that there has been previous incidents of intimidation on the Waterford Greenway and anything that will increase comfort and security should be encouraged.
"There was an incident, a few years back, which the Gardai dealt with. There was an incident along the Greenway where two ladies were intimidated. That was dealt with by the Gardai. It was dealt with well and it didn't re-occur. It's an idea that has come to me because a few people have said that they don't know if they would feel safe to go out there on their own now."
