Council staff told to ‘get on yer bikes’

OFFICE staff at Limerick County Council’s headquarters were yesterday told “get on yer bikes”.

It follows the launch of an initiative aimed at reducing the local authority’s overall carbon footprint.

Staff are being given access to bicycles and umbrellas to cut the number of car journeys being made between the council’s two main buildings in Dooradoyle.

High visibility jackets and safety helmets are also provided to workers wishing to peddle their way between Lissanalta House and County Hall.

Outgoing chairman Cllr Kevin Sheahan said: “I fully support any scheme that actively promotes ways of reducing carbon emissions. Limerick County Council plays a central role in changing the mindset of people regarding energy use. Therefore, it is appropriate that the council is itself leading by example.”

Director of services Josephine Cotter Coughlan commented: “Like many people in Limerick, we have become too reliant on our cars. This initiative, however, aims to break the habit of using our cars all the time, especially for short journeys.

“A car journey from County Hall to Lissanalta House that can take up to 10 to 15 minutes at rush hour now takes a couple of minutes by bicycle or less than five minutes on foot.”