Published: January 18, 2022
Cathaoirleach of the Dungarvan/Lismore district Councillor Tom Cronin pictured with Councillor Damien Geoghegan, Councillor John Pratt, Sean Gormley from Waterford City and County Council, Rosarie Kealy and Peter Jones, both from Waterford Sports Partnership, Gavin Moynihan, Micheal Moynihan at the official opening of the new cycle-training area at Fair Lane Park, Dungarvan – David Clynch
Ireland’s first outdoor ‘Learn to Cycle’ track opens at Fairlane Park, Dungarvan.
The cycle track was officially opened by Deputy Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Seanie Power
Earlier this month Ireland’s first and Dungarvan’s newest amenity area was officially opened with the addition of an outdoor ‘Learn to Cycle’ track.
The Learn to Cycle track will allow young children to learn to cycle on a ‘real life’ road structure with lines, signs and pedestrian crossing without the traffic. This latest amenity at Fairlane adds to existing the play facilities at the Linear Park, including many slides, swings and climbing frames, along with the water fountains with bird feeding points which are a firm favourite with young and old. With Waterford Greenway so close by, the new Cycle track will also allow for those new cyclists to get some practice before taking to the Greenway proper!
Chair of Dungarvan / Lismore District Cllr. Tom Cronin highlighted how important such civic amenities are to our towns, villages and communities. “People have a new appreciation of the outdoors, and the numbers using such amenities are continuously growing. This new cycle track will give those who are new to cycling a chance to test out their wheels on a purpose-built track. It will be great to see people using this new amenity here at Fairlane Park in a safe and family-friendly environment.”
Kieran Kehoe, Dungarvan Town Manager commented, “This amenity is so accessible within the town centre, and is easily reachable from all surrounding areas. Dungarvan is a ‘Smarter Travel’ town, which means that Waterford City and County Council, in promoting the safe use of cycling, is encouraging people to move from over reliance on cars as their only method of transport. Cycling around Dungarvan has never been safer.”
The next phase of the development, a Performance Area is at an advanced stage of construction and is due to be opened in the coming months. When completed the recreation park will include a BMX Pump Track and Skatepark.
Peter Jones, Waterford Sports Partnership also commented, “This is an innovative and exciting venture from Waterford City and County Council, which has engaged with many partners to ensure this unique facility is open to the people of Dungarvan. The facility’s aim is to ensure we have a safe environment for children of all abilities to learn to cycle safely. It will allow us to deliver Cycling Ireland courses including balance bike training, disability cycling, sprocket rocket and Cycle Right in a completely accessible and traffic free environment. The facility will also utilise QR codes to assist parents in coaching their own children.”
The Council’s Road Safety Officer, Jemma Jacob stated “We anticipate creches and pre-schools will use the facility to deliver Road Safety Authority programmes such as Simon and Friends and Road Safety Awareness week events. By including a ‘real life’ road structure and two teaching areas, this facility will allow youngsters to learn how to step, stride, glide and turn on balance bikes and put these skills to the test in a mock road situation.”
The overall cost of the cycle track was €50,000 with Waterford City & County Council receiving funding from the Local Government Fund and the Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation administered by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Works were completed earlier this month by contractors Richard Forristal Ltd.
For more information please contact Peter Jones by email pjones@waterfordsportspartnership.ie
