A FIRST FOR KILLARNEY: Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Michael Gleeson pictured with Eileen O’Donoghue (Killarney Munipical District Officer) at the town’s first covered bicycle stand on Bohereencaol Glebe Lane. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

EXCLUSIVE

By Michelle Crean

Killarney town centre has seen the addition of its first covered bicycle stand at Bohereencaol Glebe to encourage sustainable travel.

Earlier this year new bicycle stands were installed on Main Street, the Hahah, the Courthouse, High Street and at other identified locations around the town. These stands, while intended to encourage cycling in and around the town, have also had an impact in improving accessibility by reducing the amount of bicycles attached to poles. This project to encourage sustainable travel was funded under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme through South Kerry Development Partnership by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

"I was delighted as Mayor to officially launch the newly erected covered bicycle stand in Bohereencaol Glebe,” Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Michael Gleeson said.

“This very welcome facility will allow cyclists to secure their bikes and know that they will be dry when they return from their shopping or socialising.” He added, that this development, which he hopes will be the first of many, was among his stated priorities when he became Mayor.

“I believe that cycling is ever growing in popularity and should be actively encouraged by Council.”

Cycling is not just a healthy pursuit, it is also very environmentally friendly, he said.

“The growing popularity of cycling will also help to reduce traffic volumes on our roads and streets and make Killarney a still more welcoming destination. I hope that in due course covered bicycle stands will be provided at other locations in the Municipal District. My sincere thanks to the Council staff for bringing the project to completion."