by Aoife McLoughlin
aoife@limerickpost.ie
SEVEN of the 23 Coca Cola Bike stations were not ready for use on Monday when the scheme was launched in Limerick city.
And, according to the National Transport Authority (NTA), two of the stations will not be operational until the New Year with the Bedford Row station having to await the removal of the city’s Christmas Tree on January 6.
The NTA have said however, the majority of Limerick’s remaining bike stations will be ready for use in the next few weeks.
Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan, who launched the scheme, said it was an excellent departure for Limerick in that it would help reduce carbon emissions and reduce traffic in the city.
Asked why the scheme had not been extended to the University of Limerick and Limerick Institute of Technology, she said: “I would imagine it will be kept under consideration as to whether it would go further out. But there are a significant number of stands. Certainly I think it will give people a real opportunity around Limerick and the city centre.”
When fully operational, there will be 23 stations and 215 bikes located around the city.
To register for a €5 annual subscription, log onto www.bikeshare.ie.
Station locations (Bike numbers)
The Treaty Stone (20)
King John’s Castle (20)
Saint Mary’s Cathedral (20)
Island Road Junction (20)
The Granary (28)
Abbey Bridge (20)
O’Callaghan Strand (20)
Bedford Row (15)
Arthur’s Quay (25)
The Milk Market (20)
Saint John’s Cathedral (10)
Newtown Mahon (20)
Bishop’s Quay (12)
O’Connell Street (15)
Roches Street (20)
Baker Place (25)
The Crescent (20)
Pery Square (25)
Colbert Station (20)
Mount Saint Alphonsus (10)
O’Connell Avenue (20)
Mary Immaculate College (20)
Mount Saint Vincent (20)
