Mayor Ryan raised the issue at the December Metropolitan District meeting of Waterford City and County Council, where he highlighted widespread concerns about the proposed changes between the Kilbarry Roundabout and the top of the Folly. He said residents made their objections clear at a packed public meeting held at St John’s Pastoral Centre.
Residents Voice Safety and Traffic Concerns
The Mayor said residents from Ursuline Court, Pearse Park and surrounding areas strongly opposed the plan, citing fears around traffic flow and safety. He questioned the logic of a two-way cycle lane on one side of the road rather than separate cycle lanes on each side.
Mayor Ryan said the proposed layout would create unnecessary danger for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists.
He said the design fails to make traffic sense and urged that the scheme be withdrawn and redesigned.
Call for Rethink and Council Review
Mayor Ryan urged the council executive to abandon the current proposal and return with a revised plan that prioritises safety and practicality.
He criticised the requirement for cyclists to cross traffic to access facilities, saying the approach increased risk rather than reducing it.
In response, Senior Engineer Paul Johnston confirmed the council agreed to review the Inner Ring Road Active Travel Scheme Waterford.
He said engineers will assess whether the cycle lanes should run separately on both sides of the road instead of a combined lane.
Mr Johnston told councillors the findings of the review will return for discussion at a future workshop, signalling a pause on the current proposal while the reassessment takes place.
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