Funds for cycle lanes but none for potholes

Councillors have criticised the spending of millions of euro on new bike lanes across Cork City at a time when money can’t be found to fix potholes or repair council houses.

They called for greater control on how they can spend Government money after signing off on Phase 2 of the Cork Cycle Network.

The first phase, a cycle route from Douglas to the city, is expected to be fully operational by the end of March.

The latest element of the National Transport Authority-funded project will see three bike lanes developed between UCC and the city centre.

Two cycle lanes — one inbound and one outbound — will be installed on Washington St.

The street will be reduced from two to one outbound vehicular lane, and a contra-flow cycle lane will be installed on South Main St.

And work has started on the installation of up to 900 bike parking stands at dozens of locations around the city centre.

But Cllr John Kelleher (Lab), whose brother died in a bike accident, said: “I fully support the plans to improve cycle and pedestrian safety and facilities.”

Meanwhile, councillors have also signed off on the €1m safety upgrade of Parnell Place.