— Question on how social distancing possible on narrow city centre footpaths unanswered.
— Politicians start call for space to be made to help social distancing.
Dublin City Council said last night that it removed traffic cones from a bus lane in central Dublin after complaints were made to the Gardai about them.
The traffic cones came with a hand-written sign saying it was a temporary footpath and told people to keep 2 metres distance.
A spokesperson for the council said: “Dublin City Council removed the cones in Stoneybatter as the Gardai had received complaints regarding the cones including from a cyclist who reported a near accident due to their presence on the road.”
The council did not respond to a question on how city centre residents are supposed to practice social distancing when the city council is leaving residents with narrow footpaths and no temporarily widened space as is happening in some offer cities in other countries.
Social distancing space in Stoneybatter. pic.twitter.com/ldcHz5gNs0
— Mike Banim (@MikeBanim) April 8, 2020
So I asked local shopkeepers and it seems @DubCityCouncil are in the process of removing the temporary footpath. Pretty clear where their priorities lie. https://t.co/6QykJKi1FN pic.twitter.com/YOEW99pX77
— Mike Banim (@MikeBanim) April 10, 2020
Politicians have also started to call on space to be made available to help social distancing.
Cllr Ray McAdam (FG) said: “Delighted to have the @greenparty_ie on board as we seek to enhance pedestrian & cycling facilities within @DubCityCouncil area until #May5 at least. @FineGael group & I will be pursuing further with the CEO tomorrow.”
Cllr Darcy Lonergan (Green) said: “Hot off the press Greens write letter to @DubCityCouncil to call for reallocation of road space for walking & cyclying during COVID 19.”
In a letter addressed to Owen Keegan, the city council CEO, the Green Party is calling for cones to widen footpaths, temporary road pedestrianisations, and bollars to create quietways.
Hot off the press Greens write letter to @DubCityCouncil to call for reallocation of road space for walking & cyclying during COVID 19
— Darcy Lonergan (@djlonergan) April 13, 2020
👉cones to widen footpaths
👉temporary road pedestrianisations
👉bollars to create quietways
Full letter below 👇👇@greenparty_ie #COVID2019 pic.twitter.com/5pHw48wOoW