A suite of new measures have been proposed for Dublin's Sandymount ahead of the installation of a new cycle path.

Car restrictions, including traffic barriers, reduced parking, and one-way systems are proposed as mitigation measures for the new Strand Road cycle path.

These, city bosses hope, will stop drivers 'rat-running' through the village when the trial goes live in February.

Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show today, Green Party MEP for Dublin Ciaran Cuffe said: "There will always be some who think that these measures to promote walking and cycling are a step too far.

"But there is a big push worldwide, and indeed last week the European Commission published its plan for green, smart and affordable mobility and one of the big issues is to make it easier and safe to walk and cycle and that's what we're seeing with the Sandymount proposal – a much safer route because it's segregated from traffic.

"And that means school children or those who are a little bit uneasy about going on a bike in traffic will find it much easier."

David Timoney from Dublin Cycling Campaign also spoke to Pat, saying that other concerns relating to cyclists have too been addressed:

He explained: "There were two main fears with the Strand Road route. One was where would displaced traffic go – the fear was that they would go through the village. Now I know the council have taken specific measures and I see two pedestrian crossings going in already and I know there's a speed ramp here."

Finally, Independent Councillor Mannix Flynn said: "This morning, residents learned from the news that there would be a second roadway given over to what is known as temporary cycling measures. Again, residents or anyone who drives though is up in arms.

"Everyone I've met in Sandymount is pro-cycling, but they're also pro-democracy and they want this to be rolled out in a proper manner."

Image: Jan Woitas/DPA/PA Images