€1-an-hour bike hire scheme launched in Tullamore
A new app-based bicycle hire scheme for Tullamore is now in place after it was launched at an event in O'Connor Square on Friday last.
The scheme, which offers 30 bikes for hire at 17 parking locations around Tullamore, is being operated on behalf of Offaly County Council by Moby Bikes, a company which operates similar schemes in Athlone and Mullingar.
Smartphones are required to avail of the new service, as it involves hiring and returning bikes through the use of the Moby Bike Hire app on Android or Apple devices. The cost of hiring a bike through the app starts at €1 per hour.
The scheme is Offaly County Council's latest climate action project and among those in attendance at the launch on Friday last were Minister of State Pippa Hackett and elected members of the council.
Local authority officials, including council CEO Anna Marie Delaney, Director of Services Tom Shanahan, Senior Engineer Mary Hussey, and Climate Action Officer John McNally were also present for the launch of the scheme.
Representatives of Moby Bikes, which is based in Dublin, were on hand to demonstrate how to hire a bike using the company's app.
"The app controls the locking and unlocking of the bicycle fleet, and facilitates payment for hires using all major credit or debit cards," explained the council's Climate Action Officer, John McNally.
Cllr Neil Feighery, the Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Municipal District, added, "We have 30 bikes available for hire located around various locations in Tullamore including Lloyd Park, Bury Quay, Tullamore Hospital, and Lidl and Aldi stores.
"I encourage everyone to download the app and trial this new pilot scheme. It is a great opportunity to get out and explore our vibrant, friendly and welcoming town," he said.
The full list of the bike parking locations for the scheme includes: Tullamore Hospital, Tullamore Train Station, Aras an Chontae, Lloyd Park, Acres Hall, Kilbride Plaza, Kilbride Street, Market Square, O'Connor Square, St Mary's Centre, Bury Quay, Aura Leisure Centre, Tesco, Aldi, Dunnes Stores Church Road, Lidl Church Road, and Lidl Main Street.