The project to connect the Tralee and Listowel sections of greenway has now moved into the Option Selection Phase and the Project Team will be holding the next Public Consultation between September 10th and October 11th 2024 to present the Proposed Options for the Project . The Project Team would like to hear your views in relation to the Proposed Options.
Kerry County Council will hold two public information events as follows:
Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee – Tuesday 10th September 2024 from 3pm to 8pm.
Listowel Arms Hotel, Listowel – Wednesday 11th September 2024 from 3pm to 8pm.
Members of the Project Team will be available to discuss with you the Project, the Proposed Options, and the next steps in the development of the Project .
An online consultation process will commence on the Kerry County Council Consultations Portal https://consult.kerrycoco.ie/browse on Tuesday 10th September 2024, running until Friday 11th October 2024.
The online consultation portal will provide drawings of the Proposed Options, and an online feedback form where submissions can be made to the Project Team.
Submissions may also be made by post to: Tralee to Listowel Greenway, Kerry National Roads Office, Kerry County Council, The Island Centre, Castleisland, Freepost FKY 7494, Co. Kerry, V92 T0CP.
National Bike Week takes place from Saturday 11th to Sunday 19th May) and National Biodiversity Week from Friday 17th to Sunday 26th May, given that they overlap this weekend Kerry Cycling Campaign will be hosting a Nature Cycle along the Tralee to Fenit Greenway where participants can discover some of the wild plants and habitats along this rich ecological corridor.
The event will be led by local experts Cathy Eastman of Biodiversity Partners and Niamh Ní Dhúill of Natural Wild Gardens/Transition Kerry
This free event is suitable for all ages and abilities and will take place from 11am to 1pm on Saturday 18th of May, the meeting point will be the Greenway entrance – Opposite Tralee Train Station
This event is presented with the support of the Irish Environmental Network (IEN) and Irish Cycling Campaign
A few years back we screened Why we cycle a film which explored the effects of cycling, on people, societies, and cities, well the team are back with a new film Together we cycle which investigates the critical events that led to the revival of the Dutch cycling culture.
As part of National Bike Week (which runs from the 13th to 21st of May) the Kerry Cycling Campaign have teamed up with Transition Kerry to screen this film in Tralee, Killarney, Listowel and Dingle.
The film Together we cycle investigates the critical events that led to the revival of the Dutch cycling culture. Many people think that cycling in the Netherlands is a natural phenomenon. However, until the 1970s the development of mobility in the Netherlands followed trends across the globe. The bicycle had had its day, and the future belonged to the car. The only thing that had to be done was to adapt cities to the influx of cars.
Then Dutch society took a different turn. Against all odds, people kept on cycling.
There is no easy answer to the question why this happened in the Netherlands. There are many factors, events and circumstances that worked together, both socially and policy-wise. In Together we cycle, key players tell the story of the bumpy road which led to the current state. Where cycling is an obvious choice for most citizens.
Thanks to Transport for Ireland and Kerry County Council for their support in this screenings, and to the wonderful venues for facilitating the screenings.
The Kerry Cycling Campaign is encouraging people to celebrate UN World Bicycle Day to take to their bikes today. Regular physical activity of a moderate intensity, such as cycling, has huge health benefits. People of all ages see significant improvement in their mental and physical health by being more active throughout the day.
Anluan Dunne, speaking on behalf of the Kerry Cycling Campaign, said: “there is a clear desire for people to cycle more as has been demonstrated throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. On UN World Bicycle Day, 2021, we are calling for significantly more ambition to provide safe routes in our towns and villages to enable people to choose their bicycle over their car. Several Councils across Ireland have installed interim bike lanes and this has had a massive impact on cycling levels. Kerry County Council must provide the same interim cycle lanes while long-term designs are being produced”.
As people return to workplaces and as retail re-opens motor traffic levels are increasing. The RSA, Gardaí and road safety advocacy groups have been warning that these increased traffic levels will impact the safety of roads and streets – particularly in urban areas.
World Bicycle Day draws attention to the benefits of using the bicycle — a simple, affordable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation. The bicycle contributes to cleaner air and less congestion and makes education, health care and other social services more accessible to the most vulnerable populations.
Anluan Dunne concluded: “we have recently witnessed the heartbreak and tragedy which can befall a family when roads are designed solely for motor vehicles to the detriment of every other mode of travel. Traffic collisions account for 40% of child deaths in Ireland and in the past year there was a 6% increase in overall deaths. No interim measures have been provided to protect vulnerable road users to cycle to school, work or leisure in Kerry. This is in stark contrast to other counties such as Cork and Dublin. Pop-up cycle lanes are cheap and quick to install and funding is available.”
Kerry Cycling Campaign is a voluntary membership group who wants a cycling-friendly Kerry for people of all ages and abilities. We are a member of Cyclist.ie, the Irish Cycling Advocacy Network.
For immediate release Tuesday, 29th of March, 2021
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The Kerry Cycling Campaign welcomes the recent funding programmes from central government to support the development of active travel routes in County Kerry.
On the 29th of March, 2021, funding of €5.6 million euro to support the development of active travel network plans, cycleways and upgraded footpaths in County Kerry was announced by Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD.
Speaking on behalf of the Kerry Cycling Campaign, Anluan Dunne said: “we have consulted with the council, TII roads design office and local representatives in the past few months to ensure these projects were both proposed and applied for. It is brilliant to now see the projects receive the financial support needed to have them implemented. Most importantly, the development of active travel network plans for Tralee, Killarney and Listowel is key to enabling people to choose walking or cycling for day to day activities like shopping, going to school or commuting to work.”
The announcement by the National Transport Authority is the first ever major active travel investment programme specifically targeted at Rural Ireland. In total, the fund is over €72 million euro across the country – far in excess of the original €50 million announced earlier this year. The NTA stated that the volume of project proposals made by local authorities meant that the scheme had to be expanded.
Anluan Dunne continued: “following on from the ambitious plans for the Killarney Town cycle lanes, we want to see this money spent immediately and on high quality, well designed changes to our roads and streets. Funding for cycling infrastructure is clearly no longer an obstacle and we need to ensure that the network plans in particular are drawn up quickly and by consultancies who have a track record in delivering the type transformative projects our towns sorely need”.
The Kerry Cycling Campaign was a core contributor to the Cyclist.ie, Irish Cycling Advocacy Network: A Vision for Cycling in Rural Ireland. The vision document contains eight statements on what is needed, in a rural context, to deliver safe cycling. Vision statements one, two and three must be specifically addressed through this programme of funding:
1: Create an environment in our cities, towns, villages and rural roads where CYCLISTS ARE EXPECTED AND RESPECTED
2: Create and map a network of useful, CONNECTED CYCLE ROUTES throughout Local Authority Areas
3: Implement BEST PRACTICE DESIGN to ensure routes are safe and comfortable for cyclists of all ages and abilities
In conclusion, Anluan Dunne said: “while we warmly welcome the number of projects being funded, we need to see wider distribution of projects across the county. A cycle network plan is needed for Kenmare, Killorglin, Milltown, Dingle and every other town and village in the county. Every council municipal district should have a well developed list of projects which they want to see funded. The money is being provided and we must see ambition from all corners of our county.“
The Kerry Cycling Campaign continues to be available to consult on all aspects of the above programme with Kerry County Council, the NTA, TII or private firms.
Kerry Cycling Campaign is a voluntary membership group who wants a cycling-friendly Kerry for people of all ages and abilities. We are a member of Cyclist.ie, the Irish Cycling Advocacy Network.
The Kerry Cycling Campaign welcomes and supports the proposed new greenway trailhead, traffic calming measures as well as bike parking and amenity areas as part of the Tralee-Fenit Greenway.
As part of the public consultation process managed by Kerry County Council, the group made some constructive and positive suggestions to improve on the design. Key to the proposed changes was a reconfigured design of the Fenit Trailhead for the Greenway which aims to provide a prominent public space which could become a focal point for the village without affecting the budget.
Following the submission, the group wrote to all Tralee M.D. Councillors and the two Tralee TDs seeking their support.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Anluan Dunne remarked: “the design detail of the greenway is critical to its success. It is really important that the experience of arriving into Fenit is a memorable one and our proposal seeks to enhance the draft design issued by the Council. For Fenit locals who use the beach and amenities nearby we also want to enable the community by providing space for festivals and events when that becomes possible once more. We have put a very positive, constructive, submission to the Council in this regard. The community are supportive, local groups are supportive and now we are seeking the support of our public representatives.”
The Kerry Cycling Campaign presented their proposal to the Fenit Townhall Group at their recent meeting, present also were several municipal district councillors. The design changes were well received. Following the presentation the group secured the backing of a large number of business, community and sporting organisations.
– Fenit Development Association – Fenit Townhall Group – Tralee Chamber Alliance – The Irish Cycling Advocacy Network, Cyclist.ie – Friends of the Tralee – Fenit Greenway – Great Southern Trail Group – Transition Kerry
Keith Phelan from Kerry Cycling Campaign said: “apart from the Fenit trailhead we also suggested changes to exits along the greenway in particular Fenit Pump House, Kilfenora and Spa Village. Official access points and minor trailheads are essential to both allow visitors to access local amenities and allow locals to access the route for commuter purposes. Having the support of the groups in Fenit demonstrates how invested people are in the overall greenway project and they really want to see it completed to the highest possible standard”
Cycling is becoming increasingly recognised for the contribution it can make as a sustainable and healthy form of transport for work, education and leisure trips within and around towns and villages. The Tralee-Fenit Greenway will become the most important amenity in the Tralee area since the completion of the Aqua Dome.
The Kerry Cycling Campaign look forward to the timely completion of the project and hope to see it fully integrated with communities such as Tralee, Spa, Kilfenora and Fenit.
– ENDS –
CONTACT Please contact info@kerrycyclingcampaign.org for further information
Kerry County Council’s Killarney Municipal District office has proposed an ambitious plan to install segregated cycle-ways on arterial routes into the town. We believe that these plans are the first significant step in enabling cycling for day-to-day journeys in Killarney.
As part of the public consultation process, we made a submission to the Council. The Part VIII process is important as it allows the public, community groups and advocacy groups to have input on the proposed design. The Part VIII documents are available from the Council website.
Focus
We focused our submission on three key areas of the proposed design:
Pedestrian and cyclist priority
Junction Design
Vehicle speed
Submission Summary
The Kerry Cycling Campaign are very supportive of the proposed scheme to install significant segregated cycling infrastructure in Killarney. The ambitious scope is heartening to see and will help to enable people to choose to take their bicycle over their car for day-to-day journeys. We commend the engineering team for their vision in this regard.
Cycling is becoming increasingly recognised for the contribution it can make as a sustainable and healthy form of transport for work, education and leisure trips within and around towns and villages.
In the context of Kerry this project can serve as an exemplar to drive the installation of such infrastructure across all towns and villages in the county.
While we welcome the plan in general the Kerry Cycling Campaign have a number of constructive observations and recommendations we wish to make.
The full submission is available as a PDF to download below.
The vision document was launched by Minister of State, Malcom Noonan on the 23rd of September, 2020. Representing Kerry Cycling Campaign, Anluan Dunne was a member of the launch panel and spoke at the event
The vision document provides the information and guidance to enable Kerry, and other counties, to excel in a multitude of areas.
For local people and communities we talk to regeneration of our towns and villages
For local businesses, we talk about the economic benefits, loyalty and repeat business that cycling brings
For health, both mental and physical, we talk to activity and well-being
For visitors to our county, we talk to new and improved tourism products as yet unrealised
We understand that some of the changes needed to enable a higher quality cycling experience are at times not visible. This is especially the case if one does not cycle regularly. – We encourage you to get on your bike and experience your local area and identify where you believe improvements are needed
We also understand the concerns of business leaders when we talk about re-prioritising road space for people walking or on bikes. As a country we have forgotten the value of those who travel by foot or bike. A value which is economically four times greater than a customer arriving by car and far more loyal to local business over out-of-town retail parks. – We have engaged with Chambers Ireland and the local chambers in Kerry
What we wish for is an enhanced sense of community, safer streets for people of all ages and abilities and a thriving and growing population which can support our local businesses. – We are engaged with sports clubs, community organisations and the PPN
We want to drive Kerry forward with with a sustainable approach to the treatment of our communities, towns and villages, with new tourism offerings with proven returns and a real and tangible contribution to business. – The funding is available from national government, now is the time to seize this opportunity and make the changes needed. Contact your local politicians today and tell them that you want to see cycling prioritised
For immediate release Friday, 4th of September, 2020
RE: Proposed diversion of the Tralee-Fenit Greenway at Bawnboy
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Kerry Cycling Campaign calls on Tralee M.D. County Councillors to refuse to grant the Part 8 planning for the proposed diversion at Bawnboy, Tralee.
The Part 8 as drafted represents a failure to adequately mediate with the business which is occupying a section of the line at Bawnboy, Tralee. In addition, it bypasses significant historic railway features associated with the 133 year old line.
Keith Phelan, speaking on behalf of Kerry Cycling Campaign said: “This proposed Greenway has the potential to open up North Kerry to increased tourism levels, to encourage greater levels of walking and cycling locally in the immediate Tralee to Fenit corridor. The proposed diversion and flies in the face of the decision made by Kerry County Council to unanimously approve the original Part 8 proposal, as stated in both the EIA and AA statements and described as – ‘the previously approved and assessed Tralee to Fenit greenway’”
The proposed diversion deviates unacceptably from the original railway line path, which is in public ownership, undermines the 133 year old line and removes a potentially iconic feature from the Greenway.
To now discover that Kerry County Council propose to introduce a major diversion to the originally agreed route, subsequently ratified via the original Part 8 process, is more than disappointing.
Anluan Dunne, speaking on behalf of the campaign said: “the diversion will add nearly a kilometer the length of the greenway with no obvious benefit or practical reason and inconveniences those who could use the route to commute. School children from areas close to the greenway will be put off using the greenway to cycle to school as the length of their journey will potentially increase”
Kerry Cycling Campaign, on behalf of greenway users, pedestrians and cyclists from across County Kerry, objects in the strongest possible terms to this Bawnboy amended greenway route.
Anluan Dunne concluded: “All parties must re-engage in meaningful, transparent and constructive discussions to create a solution that satisfies the needs of all involved. It is also critical that our public representatives engage in this process to ensure it is successful. Should it not be possible to come to an agreement in the near term, the Bawnboy diversion should be seen as temporary”
The deadline for submissions to the Part 8 planning process is 5 PM on Friday the 4th of September. The Kerry Cycling Campaign urge the people of Kerry and beyond to voice their opinion and make a submission to ciu@kerrycoco.ie
ENDS
Contact
E: info@kerrycyclingcampaign.org
Kerry Cycling Campaign
Kerry Cycling Campaign is a voluntary membership group who wants a cycling-friendly Kerry for people of all ages and abilities. We are a member of Cyclist.ie, the Irish Cycling Advocacy Network.
This August 15th – 29th 2020 – Practice Walking, Cycling or Scooting to your school – with events happening around the country and a nationwide ‘scavenger hunt’ style competition there is plenty of opportunity to show that kids like you want to be able to get there safely and on their own steam!
Events in Kerry
We are currently in the planning stage for events in Kerry. We hope to run an event on the 29th of August in Tralee. If you’d like to help out, or if you’d like to run an event for your school get in touch: info@kerrycyclingcampaign.org
The Nationwide ‘Get to School on your own Fuel’ Competition
As long as it’s human powered you can play the game!
How to play : Start by registering your team of 1-8 participants (primary or secondary level students), once registered you will be redirected to a print-friendly Competition Scorecard. Each item on the score card has a point value, the more points you score, the more likely you are to win our hamper of bike-y goodies!
What’s involved: Some items on the list require you to post photos to our facebook, like a photo ‘along your route’ or ‘with your group in front of your school’. Others are tasks like ‘create a route map’ or ‘count the bike parking at your school’! Full details are on the print-friendly score card. (If you are under 13 you will need adult supervision on all your cycles, and use of a parent/guardian’s facebook account.)
When you are done : Post your final score on our Facebook (tagging #gettoschool @cyclistie) total by Friday 28th August at 12pm – the top 3 teams will invited to submit a photo of their completed scorecards and some evidence of items completed – a winner will be declared Saturday 28th of August by 5pm and we will post out your big hamper of bike-y goodies!
