Seems like they were in favour of it a few months ago, then they changed their mind on Waterford, full steam ahead for Cork, Limerick and Galway as you would (unfortunately) come to expect these days. Its a shame as I think it is a great idea and im sure would have been a success if installed especially since the city is becoming more pedestrian/cyclist friendly with works on the Mall and Quays, not to mention bike lanes outside of that. to be honest, it just feels like another kick in the teeth for Waterford from the govt., the bike scheme itself isnt a massive deal but it just feels like we arent getting a fair deal as usual. I havent seen anything to think that we are being helped significantly with our employment problem etc. If the city was more vibrant with people/locals, im sure this would help things like this, make it more attractive for potential business sponsors etc, the way it is, with the unemployment and people happy to stay in their locals (and other reasons im sure) businesses and the govt feel its fine to look past us.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0611/456034-public-bike-scheme-cities/
...The news will come as a disappointment to Waterford City however, as it has not been included for a bike scheme.
This is despite the NTA having included a scheme for Waterford last November when seeking expressions of interests from potential sponsors of the bike schemes.
At the time a mooted scheme for the city included 10 docking stations and the 80 to 100 bikes.
A spokesperson for the NTA said that following analysis of the potential for a bicycle scheme in Waterford it was concluded that the cost per bike based on the scheme size would be too high.
She said that the tender documents do include the stipulation that other cities and towns may be added during the tender process.
The spokesperson also confirmed the NTA is talking to a potential sponsor of the schemes in Galway, Cork and Limerick....