Electric bike rental scheme promised this year for Portlaoise
Eco friendly public bicycles for Ireland's pilot low carbon Laois town
Portlaoise people are promised a public Electric bike rental scheme by the end of 2024.
Laois County Council has confirmed details of the scheme, which is coming to Portlaoise becuase it is earmarked as a pilot Low Carbon Town in the Government's national development plan.
Locals, visitors and workers could be able to pick up a bicycle and cycle through the town before next Christmas, if the scheme gets off the ground.
The council says they have gained an agreement in principle with an unnamed, established E-bike operator to supply the bicycles.
"Next steps include a funding package for the construction of the various e-bike stations with a view to the introduction of the service later this year," says Director of Services Simon Walton.
He gave the update to Cllr Barry Walsh, who tabled a motion asking for an update to the January meeting of the Portlaoise Municipal District.
"It would be introduced and operated by the E-bike provider, I will update you at the March meeting," Mr Walton added.
"I'm delighted. I had a motion on this before. It's great to see it moving forward. We're bringing in all this new infrastructure on the Abbeyleix road. The benefits of cycling are huge, on the environment, on health. This will encourage people to cycle to work and get around the town," he said.
Cllr Willie Aird supports the scheme.
"I also thank the people for getting the air for bikes into the top square. I see a lot of people using it, it's great," he said.
As the pilot Low Carbon Town, Portlaoise is getting Government funding for bicycle lanes on the Abbeyleix Road, and more on the Dublin Road. The town is also getting a bicycle / pedestrian path along the Triogue river from Green Mill Lane through the town to the Southern link road, which has shared bicycle lanes.