The erection of additional bicycle racks within the town of Moate was a motion for much discussion at the recent monthly meeting of Athlone Moate Municipal District.
Raising the issue, Fine Gael Councillor, Tom Farrell, noted that he had spoken with a number of businesses in Moate who wished to have additional bicycle racks installed along the main street so as to attract custom from the old rail trail.
“There is an appetite for the erection of additional bicycle racks on the main street of the town and any placement of same in close proximity to the coffee shops and restaurants in Moate would be most welcome. Moate is very welcoming of custom from the old rail trail but the need to erect bicycle racks is paramount as cyclists are not willing to leave their valuable bicycles in an unsecured manner should they decide to detour from the greenway for a coffee,” Cllr. Farrell remarked.
Supporting the motion, fellow political party member, Cllr. John Dolan, stated that he too had been approached by members of the local business community in Moate with a similar view pertaining to the erection of bicycle racks.
“Those who travel through Moate would definitely be aware that it is a town which regularly attracts cyclists due to the initiative of local groups in the community and I would welcome any development in this regard,” Cllr Dolan commented.
Green Party Councillor, Louise Heavin, asserted that cycling was an ideal manner in which families could use the greenway, noting that Moate was a regularly used stop off point for cyclists on the greenway.
“We must move on this issue with immediate effect and it is vital that bicycle racks of the highest quality are installed in the town. I would also like to see them covered,” Cllr. Heavin stated.
Fianna Fáil Councillor, Vinny McCormack, stated that the installation of bicycle racks on the town’s main street would tie in with the planned enhancement works in Moate.
“I am aware that Moate Golf Club has bicycle racks installed on site and they attract many cyclists from the greenway on a regular basis,” Cllr. McCormack said.
His political party colleague, Cllr. Frankie Keena, afforded his thought on the issue, querying if a bike to rent scheme, previously discussed within the Chamber, could be operated between the towns of Moate and Athlone.
Responding, Director of Services, Barry Kehoe, concurred with the elected representatives that additional bicycle racks should be installed in the town but noted that car park spaces may have to be removed to facilitate such an occurrence.
“We will liaise with the local community in Moate in this regard,” Mr Kehoe concluded.
