Kevin writes:
The Galway City Council u-turn on the Salthill cycle lane (background here) calls to mind another Salthill related City Council u-turn (background here, here and here) which provoked the poem below.
Newly Elected Face Makes Maiden Speech
I am an idea someone else had
when they weren’t thinking;
a fat bouquet from my mother
who always knew it would come
to something like this;
a ventriloquist’s dummy
that hasn’t yet said anything.
I have nothing against homosexuals,
but am not in favour of them either.
Now you’ve told me Ché Guevara
was a Communist and Adolf Eichmann
a very bad man, I’ll bear those facts
in mind, when talking about septic tanks,
a subject on which I’ve loads to contribute.
I’m against nuclear war and the Spanish
Inquisition, except when they actually happen.
From The Ghost In The Lobby (Salmon Poetry, 2014)
Image: Galway City Coiuncil
Previously: War Path
“Stop smokin’ that acid!” said the barman to me back and in 1990.
“You don’t smoke acid” we roared back in laughter :)
Reading Kevin’s poems are a bit of a trip, which reminded me of the above :)
Oh, and it’s good the cycle lane got stopped. It was a ridiculous idea to run it as suggested.
OF COURSE you would be against the trial of a cycle lane in a traffic clogged City. I’d imagine though, like many of the councillors you are in favour of cycle lanes, once they don’t ever have any impact on cars, don’t prevent people parking outside schools, and only exist somewhere… else. Yes. somewhere far far away.
I lived half my life five mins walk from The Prom where this was planned and have spoken to many who still do live there. We were all in agreement that it was ridiculous use of space, particularly for those who do not live as close to the amenity, and it is for those people the most resounding and frequent argument against the cycle lane, as proposed, that I did hear voiced. The proposed cycle lane would have taken away much of the parking space which is already scant for the area.
There is plenty space for a lane, just not as proposed.
A cycle lane if that length – through the amenity of the prom – will not alleviate the traffic issue. It’s a half of a half measure and less.
They need to finish the new ring road that was recently approved, and ensure cycle lanes are on it… Probably not, I don’t know.
And what do you mean “OF COURSE” I’m proper having a LOL at that one…. I’m only learning to drive myself :)
“Of course” …me eye! :)
cycle lanes isnt enough. bike to work scheme isnt enough. what will it take people to see the joys of cycling. how much would it cost to give every household in the country a free bike. mad idea. but with global warming we need to get out of our cars. and fast. desperate times call for desperate measures.
the 25% reduction in cost of public transport was a brilliant idea of the government. keep petrol prices high and tell people to do public transport. hopefully public transport will ultimately become free.
Well done Kevin, seems like the ghost of Ronnie Reagan haunts the alleys of Galway still.
Hahahah loved the last two lines!