COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

QUESTION NO. 4

QUESTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

"To ask the Chief Executive to report on what efforts have been made to find replacements for kissing gates that act as a disincentive to cyclists, while at the same time ensuring that motorcycles and mopeds cannot enter parks easily; and if a statement can be made on the matter?"

REPLY:

The primary function of a kissing gate is to prevent unauthorised vehicles and horses from entering parks and open spaces while facilitating universal access for all other users including prams, buggies and wheelchair users.

An alternative barrier which has been used in the past is a K-barrier. This does not have any moving parts but restricts access by narrowing the opening at waist height. While this type of barrier does work in certain situations it is possible to get smaller motor bikes through the barrier. The barrier is therefore limited in use and not suitable for all locations.

Other types of restrictive barriers have been used on the Canal Green Route with varying degrees of success. While they have been found to allow cyclists pass through with less delay than a kissing gate, they do not deter all motorbikes and horses from gaining access.

Cyclists using kissing gates have been observed and their use adds on average no more than 10 seconds to journey times.  Kissing gates are considered to be as cycle friendly as possible given the primary function for which they are designed.